Anyone can send money to a federal inmate through an account. Similar to a regular bank system, an account assigned to each federal inmate handles commissary purchases for supplies not regularly issued. The account, maintained at one location, serves each federal prison. You must know the full name under which the inmate was committed and the corresponding 8-digit register number. U.S. Postal Service money orders and government checks deposit immediately. The Federal Bureau of Prisons allows only the U.S. Postal Service or Western Union's Quick Collect Program to send money to a federal inmate.
Instructions
Send Money Via U.S. Postal Service
1. Purchase a postal money order in the amount you wish to send. They are available at any local post office or rural postal carrier. The U.S. Postal Service accepts cash, debit card or traveler's checks. As of January 2011, the fees range from $1.10 to $1.50, depending on the amount of the money order. The money order must be made out to the inmate's full, committed name and register number.
2. Address an envelope to:
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Inmate Name
Inmate's 8-digit Register Number
P.O. Box 474701
Des Moines, Iowa 50947-0001
Substitute the inmate's full committed name for Inmate Name, no shortened form or nicknames. Substitute Inmate's 8-digit Register Number with the assigned register number.
3. Write the complete return information in the upper-left corner of the envelope. Include your name and full address so incorrect deposits can be returned.
4. Attach the proper postage and mail the money order. Include only the money order in the envelope.
Send Money Using Western Union
5. Collect the necessary information. You need the 8-digit register number, without dashes or spaces, and immediately followed by the inmate's last name, the inmate's full committed name and the Code City, which is always FBOP, DC.
6. Visit a Western Union agent. Complete the transfer form, and pay the fees along with the transfer amount using cash or a PIN-based debit card. Carry all necessary information, as the transfer will not be completed using incorrect entries.
7. Call Western Union's telephone transfer service if you would rather not visit an office. As of January 2011, dial 800-634-3422 and press option 2, then follow the voice instructions to enter the information and pay using a debit or credit card.
8. Visit the Western Union website to transfer money online. Click Products and Services, then choose Inmate Trust Fund under Bill Payment Services. Click the Federal Bureau of Prisons' Click Here link, then follow the on-screen instructions to register for a free account, then enter the inmate information. Western Union accepts credit or debit cards online.
Tips Warnings
The inmate must be physically housed in a federal prison before sending money. Money sent using Western Union's Quick Collect Program between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time posts to the inmate's account in two to four hours. Locate the nearest Western Union office using their website or by calling 800-325-6000.
Make a Western Union deposit over the telephone by calling 800-634-3422, option 2.
Free registration is required on Western Union's website.
Do not include personal articles or correspondence to the inmate.
Do not send personal checks.
Non-postal money orders and non-government checks will be placed on a 15-day hold.
Money not properly sent will be returned to the sender.
Western Union transfer times vary and will not be known until information is completed.
Your credit card company may charge a cash advance fee using Western Union options.
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