How To Deposit Money into An Offender Trust Fund

Deposit Money into An Offender

Setting up an offender trust fund is a great way to give someone in prison some spending money. An offender trust fund is a private bank account set up for an individual serving time in prison. It gives them access to cash necessary for various purposes, including buying commissary items and paying phone calls while locked up. This article will examine different methods for contributing to a trust fund for an incarcerated loved one.

First, Contact the Prison to Get the Inmate’s Details

Before depositing money into an inmate account, you need to know their number. The number is different from the prisoner’s prison ID number (which you can find by searching for the prisoner in this database). It’s also different from any other type of identifier—you won’t be able to use a Social Security number or driver’s license number as a substitute.

How do you get this information? The easiest way is by contacting the prison directly. You’ll need to ask either your local state’s Department of Corrections (DOC) or the sheriff’s office for help getting in touch with someone who works at the institution holding your loved one.

The person on the other end may require details about your relationship with them. Keep everything accurate and up-to-date, so everything runs smoothly in getting confirmation about their location and status inside the facility.

So, How Do You Deposit the Money?

Here are a few Ways. You can deposit money into an offender trust fund by using the following:

A Direct Bank Transfer

Direct bank transfer is the fastest, easiest, and most reliable way to deposit funds into an offender trust fund account. The process is quick and easy, and there are no fees. You will need the following information to make the deposit:

  • Inmate Number
  • The offender’s full name and DOB
  • The facility housing them (if applicable)
  • The inmate number (you can find this on their DOC number)

Sending Money Order

If you want to avoid using a direct bank transfer, consider writing a check or money order and mailing it in. It’s another convenient method because there’s no need for any physical interaction with anyone else. However, there are some drawbacks to this method as well:

It takes longer than other methods since there’s usually a delay between when you write out the check and when it gets cashed (this depends on where you live). Once they cash the check, there’s a delay between when it gets deposited into your account and when it shows up in your account balance.

The money order should be payable to “State Treasurer” and include your and the offender’s names. You can buy them at post offices, banks, or other financial institutions from $1 to $1000.

Electronic Transfer 

Electronic Transfer is a way to deposit money into an offender’s trust fund account using the internet. It’s a safe and secure way to transfer money, and it offers several advantages over other methods:

You can use Electronic Transfer to make regular deposits into your inmate’s account. You can schedule a recurring payment once or twice a month or set it up so that your inmate’s account is automatically replenished with funds every time his balance drops below $10.

You can send money to as many inmates as possible through one transaction. A straightforward transaction can fund all their accounts if you have more than one family member in prison.

You don’t need to know the amount of money you need to deposit into your inmate’s account; instead, you can specify how much money you should add each time his balance dips below $10.

Here is a Guide:

Step 1: Set up an Electronic Transfer with your bank. You will need to contact your bank and ask them to set up an electronic transfer with the Department of Corrections. This process can take up to 3 business days but usually takes less time than that.

Step 2: Provide the information needed for an Electronic Transfer. You must provide the following information when setting up an electronic transfer:

– The offender’s name as it appears in our system (don’t forget the suffix or middle name)

  • The offender’s inmate number
  • Your name as it appears on your account
  • Your address as it appears on your account

Step 3: Enter the Amount you intend to Send, then enter your Pin to complete the transaction

Western Union or Other Money Wire Source

A money wire, also known as an electronic funds transfer (EFT), is a safe way to send money electronically between bank accounts. It is faster than sending a check and allows you to transfer directly from your account to another person’s account.

You can deposit money into a trust fund using Western Union or another money wire source. The offender must send you the money wire information and the account number where the money gets deposited. You will also need to give them your name, address, and phone number so they can send you a receipt for the transaction.

Once you have this information, go to your bank and ask to speak with someone in their trust department. Tell them that you want to deposit money into a trust fund for an inmate at a prison or jail. They will give you some forms to fill out, which should include the following:

  • The name of the inmate whose trust fund you are depositing into
  • The name of their institution (if applicable)
  • Your account number and routing number (this is on your checkbook)
  • A copy of the receipt from Western Union or another wire source (make sure all information on the receipt matches what was given to you by the inmate)

Depositing Directly to Their Commissary Account

The offender will need to register for a commissary account before they can deposit money into it. You can do this through the offender’s facility website or by calling their main office. You will need to provide your name, address, and phone number during registration so that the offender’s facility can verify that you are who you say you are. The offender will also have to provide this information and their social security number so they can begin receiving money from families and friends.

Once registration is complete, you will receive a confirmation of your registration and providing you with an account number for future transactions. Be sure to keep this information safe.

If you plan on visiting the inmate at their facility, visit their website and follow the instructions for depositing money into their commissary account. Once again, remember to bring identification, so they know who you are and what you are doing there!

Cashier’s Checks

It’s a secure and convenient way to deposit money into inmate trust accounts. You can only buy cashier’s checks at a bank or credit union where you already have an account.

  1. You first need to go to your bank or credit union and ask if they offer cashier’s checks. If they don’t, you will have to go to another bank or credit union that offers them.
  2. You must apply for a cashier’s check after locating a bank or credit union that issues them. Personal information like your name, address, social security number, etc., will be requested in this application. As it will be used later in the process for identity verification, ensure that all of this information is accurate on the application. Your request may need to be processed correctly and could cause problems.
  3. Once the bank or credit union approves your application, you can take your money to them in person. The institution can give you a cashier’s check for whatever amount of money you would like deposited into the offender trust fund account on behalf of the inmate.
  4. Once the representative at Yoy writes out and gives you the check, you may send it to the prison holding the inmate. Make sure to indicate the inmate’s full name and ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What Is an Inmate Trust Fund?

An inmate trust fund is a personal bank account used to purchase food, clothing, and other necessities while incarcerated at a DOC facility. The funds come from family members who deposit money into the account for their loved ones’ use while in prison. Inmates must have an account before making purchases with it; otherwise, they will not be able to get anything from the Commissary while incarcerated.

  1. How Long Does It Take for Funds to Be Credited After I Deposit Them?

Once they receive your payment, it usually takes 3-5 business days(depending on the method used) to process the transaction and credit the funds to your loved one’s account. If there are any problems with the transaction (for example, if you used a different name from the one listed on their profile), it may take longer for an institution to process your payment as they need to confirm that you’re authorized to make these changes.

  1. How Much Can I Deposit Into My Account?

The amount you need to deposit depends on your chosen account type. If you want to deposit cash into an offender trust fund, then knowing how much money you will need is essential before heading out to make your deposit.

Each offender has a maximum amount to deposit into their account each month. The amount varies by state, but in most cases, it ranges from $10 to $50 per month. Your DOC officer may only approve future deposits if you exceed this limit.

  1. Do I Have to Pay Any Fees When Depositing Money Into My OTF?

It depends on the method used for depositing funds into your account. If you use the phone option, there is no fee for depositing funds into your account; however, there may be an additional fee if using the Western Union wire transfer service (more details below). If you choose to mail in your payment, there are typically no fees associated.

Depositing Cash into The Offender Trust Fund is Beneficial:

Setting up an offender trust fund gives an inmate some spending money while serving a sentence. Family members and friends do this to help the inmate make the best of their time in prison. Inmates use the money to buy phone calls, food, hygiene products, and other small necessities that commissary purchases may not cover.

Inmates can often use this account to pay for things they need while incarcerated. Inmates’ families often set up a checking account where funds are deposited into the account every month or so so that they can spend it later on when needed.

Inmates cannot use this account to buy weapons or drugs (they must use Commissary). Still, they can put money aside whenever possible to save up at least enough cash in case there are emergencies during incarceration or after release from prison.

It’s important to note that you should not use an offender trust fund as a substitute for regular communication with the inmate. Inmates need more than money to maintain their connection with family and friends, so make sure you continue talking to them frequently by phone or in person.