Reasons to send money
There our four reasons to send money: Funds to Inmate (for discretionary spending), Restitution Payment, Family Visiting, and Temporary Community Leave. See below for further explanation.

Funds to Inmate
Money that is being sent to the inmate for his or her own personal use is subject to Restitution and Administrative Charges.

Restitution Payment
To make a payment for a Restitution Fine or Direct Order for a parolee, the parolee should contact his parole agent for instruction. If the payment is for an inmate, the inmate should contact his counselor for information. When making a payment, please give the Restitution Fine or Direct Order information. We also need in writing what should be done with any excess money over the Fine or Direct Order amount. It can either be giving to the inmate or refunded to the sender.

Family Visiting
Before sending money for Family Visiting, contact the institution Family Visiting Office at the institution where the inmate is located for instructions. NOTE: Funds for Family Visiting may NOT be sent via Electronic Funds Transfer.

Temporary Community Leave
Before sending money for Temporary Community Leave, the inmate should contact his or her counselor for instructions.

How to send money
There are four ways to send money: Personal Check, Cashier’s Check, Money Order, and Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). Cash, Traveler Checks, and Foreign Currency are not accepted. See below for further explanation.

Checks & Money Orders
All checks and money orders should be sent by mail to the institution were the inmate is currently located. (Link to Institution Address) The following information is required on all checks and money orders, the Inmate’s Name and CDCR Number along with the sender’s Name and Address. NOTE: Personal Checks are held for 30 days before being deposited into the inmate’s account.

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
You may also send money electronically through one of the following companies:
JPAY at www.jpay.com
WESTERN UNION at www.westernunion.com
CYBERSUITE at www.cybersuitehome.com