I. Introduction
When someone is incarcerated, they often have a limited access to funds. This means if they want to purchase anything beyond what is provided by the facility, they need extra money, and this is where inmate books come in. An inmate’s book is the account which holds any funds belonging to an inmate. By putting money on an inmate’s book, you can help to alleviate some of their stress and provide some financial support during their time behind bars. In this article, we will discuss how to put money on an inmate’s books, cost-effective transfers, the legal aspects involved, and the benefits of putting money on inmate books.
II. Step-by-Step Guide
Putting money on an inmate’s book is a simple process, but it can be quite confusing for people unfamiliar with how to do it. There are several ways to put money on an inmate’s book, including online, over the phone and through the mail. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to put money on an inmate’s book:
Step 1: Find out the necessary information from the inmate. This usually includes their full name, location, and their ID number.
Step 2: Visit the relevant website of the facility where the inmate is held or the website of the company used by the facility for collecting and managing funds.
Step 3: Register an account on the website or sign in, if you already have an account.
Step 4: Select “Add Funds” or “Put Money on Books” option, and then enter the amount of money you wish to send.
Step 5: Enter the inmate’s details, including the inmate ID number, name, and location.
Step 6: Choose a payment method and complete the transaction.
It’s important to note that different facilities or companies have different rules or requirements, so make sure to read the instructions carefully.
III. Cost-Effective Ways to Send Money
There are several ways to send money to an inmate, but some methods may have high fees or hidden costs. Here are some cost-effective ways to send money to an inmate:
Money orders: Sending money orders is a common and straightforward method of sending money to an inmate. Usually, there is a fee for sending a money order, but it’s usually much lower than the fees charged by other methods.
Electronic transfers: Electronic transfers are becoming more popular due to their convenience and speedy completion time. Some facilities allow you to use websites like MoneyGram, Western Union, JPay or GTL to transfer funds, while others have their own system. It’s important to research if your preferred electronic transfer is supported by the facility and compare fees to other methods before proceeding.
Apps: Some apps like Google Wallet, PayPal or Venmo can be used to transfer money to an inmate’s book. These apps are usually lower in fees, but some facilities don’t accept transfers from them, so check before proceeding.
IV. Advising on Legal Aspects
Sending money to an inmate has several legal aspects that need to be considered before proceeding. These aspects include:
Legality: Not all states allow inmates to receive funds directly into their books or allow only family members of the inmate to send money. It is crucial to check the policies of the facility and the state you’re in, and ensure you comply with the rules and regulations.
Transfer limits: Some facilities have restrictions on the amount of money that can be sent at once, the frequency of transfers, or the maximum balance that an inmate’s book can hold.
Security: Keeping the transfer safe and secure is a priority for both the inmate and the sender. So, always ensure that the site you’re using for transferring the money is reliable, and that you share only necessary information over the phone or the internet.
V. Simplifying Inmate Requirements
Before you send money to an inmate, make sure to minimize mistakes and simplify the process by providing accurate information, including the inmate’s details and location. Also, ensure that you include the inmate’s ID number, as this is mandatory for most facilities and any omission could lead to a rejected transfer. Another way of simplifying the process is by downloading and filling out any necessary forms before initiating the transfer.
VI. Benefits of Putting Money on Inmate Books
Putting money on an inmate’s book is a way of providing some financial support for those behind bars. The money you send can help the inmate purchase necessary items, like food and personal hygiene products, or give them funds for telephone calls, email, and video chats with their loved ones. Here are some of the benefits of putting money on inmate books:
Improves the quality of life: Incarceration can be mentally and emotionally draining. Sending money can help alleviate some of the stress and provide inmates with a sense of emotional stability, enabling them to focus on their rehabilitation and future prospects.
Reduces stress: Being unable to pay for basic necessities can lead to anxiety and depression in inmates. Having funds in their books can reduce some of the pressure and improve their overall well-being.
Increases communication: Being in contact with loved ones on the outside is key for inmates’ mental and emotional health. With funds in their books, inmates can utilize communication services offered by facilities to keep in touch with their family and friends.
VII. Conclusion
In conclusion, putting money on an inmate’s book is a great way to provide financial support for someone who is incarcerated. With facilities providing user-friendly methods for depositing funds and cost-effective ways to send money, the process is now more accessible than ever. By adhering to the legal aspects, simplifying the requirements, and understanding the benefits of providing financial support, one can make a real difference in the quality of life for inmates behind bars.
If you’d like to learn more about putting money on an inmate’s books or need any additional information, please feel free to reach out to your local facility or relevant organization for support.