Cheshire Correctional Institution Sending Money

Cheshire Correctional Institution

Address:
Cheshire Correctional Institution
900 Highland Avenue
Cheshire, CT 06410

Phone:

203-651-6100

Sending Money to an Inmate in the Cheshire Correctional Institution

How to Deposit Money in a Cheshire Correctional Institution Inmate's Account

There are four ways to deposit money in an inmate's account in the Connecticut State Department of Correction:

  • Jpay Online Deposits
  • Western Union Online Deposits
  • Touchpay
  • United States Postal Service - Mailing a Payment

In order to do any of these you need to know the exact name the inmate is incarcerated under, and their Inmate ID#.

If you can't find the inmate and booking number online, call the Trust Fund Office at 860-692-7670.



1.  Cheshire Correctional Institution and JPAY.

  • First, you need to know the exact spelling of the inmate's name and inmates ID #
  • You can send money to an inmate/offender's commissary/spendable account through the Send Money page.
  • There are two ways to send money to an inmate/offender in {Cheshire Correctional Institution using Jpay.
  1. Online payments
  2. Over the phone by calling 800-574-5729

 

2.  Cheshire Correctional Institution and Western Union.

First, you need to know the exact spelling of the inmate's name and inmates ID #
You also need to know these codes. 

Codes:
Pay to: CONNECTICUT DOC
Code City: CTDOC
State: CT
Senders Account #: Inmate Number + Last Name (ex: 00123456SMITH)
Attention: Leave this blank

  • Select CONNECTICUT DOC, then follow Western Union's instructions.
  • For questions, concerns or to add funds via Western Union over the phone, call 800-325-6000.

 

Western Union Facilities -
Deposit funds in-person at Western Union

Codes:
Pay to: CONNECTICUT DOC
Code City: CTDOC
State: CT
Senders Account #: Inmate Number + Last Name (ex: 00123456SMITH)

Attention: Leave this blank



3. Cheshire Correctional Institution and Touchpay

You will need these these three things:

  • Exact spelling of the inmate's name as the CT DOC has it spelled.

  • The inmate's ID#.

  • Touchpay Facility # of 306109.

Options for putting money in an inmate's account:

Option 1 - Dropping Money at one of the prisons:
Bring money to the following prisons in person.

Hartford
177 Weston Street
Hartford, CT

Chesire
900 Highland Avenue
Chesire, CT

York
201 West Main Street
Niantic, CT

You will use a Touchpay self-serve kiosk in the lobbies that accepts cash, debit or credit cards.

Option 2 - Deposit Inmate Money Online

Option 3 - Make an Inmate Deposit over the Phone by calling Touchpay at 866-232-1899.
To do this you will need the inmate's offender # (inmate ID #), full legal name, and Facility Locator Number. Call 203-651-6100 to get the Facility Locator Number.



4.  Cheshire Correctional Institution and Mailing a Payment



When sending an inmate money by mail, the Cheshire Correctional Institution will only accept:

  • US Postal Money Orders, or
  • Certified Bank Cashier Checks

**Important Notes**

  • All Checks or Money Orders MUST be payable to the inmate.
  • A filled out copy of the Inmate Trust Remitter Form.
  • Remitter Information MUST include:
    Inmate First, Middle Initial and Last Name
    Inmate Number
    Inmate Date of Birth
    Sender's First and Last Name
    Sender's Full Address (Number, Street, Apartment/Unit, City, State and Zip Code)

Mailing Address:
Inmate Trust Fund
P.O. Box 290800
Wethersfield, CT 06129-0800

Funds are only accepted from the following sources:

  • Money Order or Certified/Cashier's Check, along with complete and legible remitter information *
  • Attorney checks, along with cover letter
  • Employer checks, along with pay stub
  • Refund check from Vendors
  • Social Security checks
  • Social Services checks
  • Tax Refunds
  • Unemployment checks
  • Veterans Administration checks


Rules Regarding Picking up Money When an Inmate is Released from the Cheshire Correctional Institution

Final Check Request: Former inmates may request a check for their remaining funds by completing a Request for Account Balance Form and mailing it to:

Inmate Trust Fund
24 Wolcott Hill Rd.
Wethersfield, CT 06109

If you have any questions, call the Trust/Finance Office at 860-692-7670

Unclaimed Inmate accounts

How do I send an inmate money?

Cheshire Correctional Institution has its own methods for receiving money for inmates, and that information can be found above or by calling 203-651-6100 and asking, however all jails and prisons all receive money for an inmate’s trust and commissary account, as well as an account used for communications, pretty much the same way.

1.    Mailing an inmate a money order or cashier’s check from a trusted source such as the Post Office, a local bank, or Western Union. The Money order should be be made out to either the inmate or the facility, with the inmate’s name and ID# on the memo line of the check.  

When mailing a money order or cashier’s check, send it an envelope by itself.  Never send it with a letter or photos for your inmate.

Never send personal checks or cash either.

2.    Deposit cash or use a debit or credit card to send an inmate money using an ATM machine that is usually located in the lobby or visitation area of the facility.

3.    Some jails have a reception desk or booth that is open during certain hours that they will list on their website. They will accept cash, money orders or cashier checks. Other facilities that don’t have a human manning the desk will have mail drop where you can leave a money order or check. No cash can be left in these boxes.

4.    There are multiple companies that jails and prisons contract with which accept inmate deposits online, by mail or over the phone, or even in ATM machines you can find in check cashing stores and retail outlets across the country. 

If one of these companies (listed in the next question) works with Cheshire Correctional Institution, this information will be outlined above.

Who are the companies that jails use to send money to inmates?

There are many companies competing for the accounts of jail and prison inmates. Their intention is to alleviate the staffing and financial responsibility of handling inmate’s accounts. They usually charge a fee equal to 3-5% of the total deposit.

The companies, in alphabetical order, are:

Access Corrections
AllPaid (aka GovPayNet)
Care A Cell
Cash Bond Online
CIDNET
City Tele Coin
CommissaryDeposit.com
Correct Solutions Group
Correctpay
Ctel
Edevo
Express Account
gettingout
GTL
Inmate Canteen
InmateSales
JailATM
Jail Pack Store (McDaniel Supply)
Jailpayments.com
Jpay
NCIC
JailCanteen (Oasis)
Paytel
Pigeonly
Prodigy Sales
Reliance
Securus
Smart Communications
Tennessee Business Enterprise
Tiger
Touchpay

How do I send an inmate money by mail?

To send an inmate money by mail you first have to have the money converted to a money order, preferably from the US Post Office, or a Cashier’s Check. Never send cash, and never send a personal check.
To find the address for sending money to an inmate, call the jail at 203-651-6100.

Can I send an inmate money online?

Almost every facility contracts with a company that helps friends and families of inmates send them money. The list can be found above.
To find out who Cheshire Correctional Institution contracts with for inmate deposits, call them at 203-651-6100.

How do I send money to someone in the United States Bureau of Prisons?

There are several ways to send money to an inmate into United States Bureau of Prisons.

There are three ways to deposit money in an inmate's account in the Federal Bureau of Prisons:

  • Moneygram
  • Western Union Online Deposits
  • United States Postal Service - Mailing a Payment

In order to do any of these you need to know the exact name the inmate is incarcerated under, and their Inmate ID# (aka Register Number)

If you can't find the inmate and Register Number online, use the online contact form to request help.



1.  Cheshire Correctional Institution and Moneygram

You can send an inmate funds electronically using MoneyGram's ExpressPayment Program.

You can send money either online or at a Moneygram location.

 - Funds are received and processed seven days per week, including holidays.
 - Funds sent between 7:00AM - 9:00PM EST are posted within 2 to 4 hours.
 - Funds sent after 9:00PM EST are posted at 7:00AM EST the following morning.

 - If you have any questions you may contact BOP staff at 202-307-2712 between 8:00AM and 4:30PM EST.

NOTE:  Do not send money until the inmate has actually arrived to the facility he has been assigned.  At that point you can locate their location online.


Sending a Moneygram online

Please visit https://www.moneygram.com/mgo/us/en/paybills, and enter the receive code 7932 or Federal Bureau of Prisons

First time users will have to set up a profile and account.

A MasterCard or Visa credit card is required.

The maximum you can send is $300 at a time.


Sending a Moneygram from a Location

Locate the nearest agent by calling 800-926-9400 or finding a location online.

You'll need to complete a MoneyGram ExpressPayment Blue Form.

You can pay with cash or credit/debit Mastercard or Visa.


 

2.  Cheshire Correctional Institution and Western Union.

 - First, you need to know the exact spelling of the inmate's name and inmates ID #
 
NOTE:  Do not send money until the inmate has actually arrived to the facility he has been assigned.  At that point you can locate their location online.

Sending a Western Union payment online

You need to know these codes. 
Codes:
Code City: FBOP, DC
State: DC
Senders Account #: Inmate's eight-digit register number with no spaces or dashes, followed immediately by the inmate's last name (example: 12345678DOE)
Attention: Inmate's full committed name

  • Type in and select FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISON, then follow Western Union's instructions.
  • For questions, concerns or to add funds via Western Union over the phone, call 800-325-6000.

 

Sending a Western Union payment from a location

Western Union Facilities
Deposit funds in-person at Western Union

Codes:
Code City: FBOP, DC
State: DC
Senders Account #: Inmate's eight-digit register number with no spaces or dashes, followed immediately by the inmate's last name (example: 12345678DOE)
Attention: Inmate's full committed name

If you have any questions you may contact BOP staff at 202-307-2712 between 8:00AM and 4:30PM EST.



3.  Cheshire Correctional Institution and Mailing a Payment

 - First, you need to know the exact spelling of the inmate's name and inmates ID #
 
NOTE:  Do not send money until the inmate has actually arrived to the facility he has been assigned.  At that point you can locate their location online.



When sending an inmate money by mail, the Cheshire Correctional Institution will only accept:

  • US Postal Money Orders

**Important Notes**

 - Obtain a money order and include both the inmate's:
 - Full committed name AND complete eight-digit register number on the money order.

 - Non-postal money orders and non-government checks will be placed on a 15-day hold.
 - If you have any questions you may contact BOP staff at 202-307-2712 between 8:00AM and 4:30PM EST.

Make sure your full name and return address is on the envelope.

Address the Money Order to:

Federal Bureau of Prisons
Insert Valid Committed Inmate Name
Insert Inmate Eight-Digit Register Number
Post Office Box 474701
Des Moines, Iowa 50947-0001

What are inmate funds?

Inmate funds are the cash that an inmate has on themselves when they are booked into jail, plus the money that friends and family add while they are incarcerated.  Inmate funds are also known as ‘inmate trust account’, ‘inmate commissary account’, and ‘inmate money account’.

How much money can an inmate have?

Typically, most jails allow an innate spend no more than $300-400 per month on snacks and hygiene products, with another $300 spent on phone calls and other communication services. Some jails limit the amount an inmate can spend on snacks to as low as $100 per month, but that is rare.

To find out how much the Cheshire Correctional Institution allows, call the jail at 203-651-6100.

How much money can I send an inmate at one time?

Most jails limit the amount that you can send an inmate to $200 at one time. If a money order exceeds $50.00 some jails will hold the money for up to 30 days before releasing it. The quickest way to get money on an inmate’s account is to deposit it either online or over the phone with the outside vendor the jail works with.

Is it illegal for an inmate to have cash?

It is not illegal for an inmate to have cash, but it is considered contraband and will be confiscated by the Cheshire Correctional Institution if it is discovered. There could be additional punishment such as phone or visitation limited.  It is unlikely that criminal charges will be levied though.

If an inmate can’t have cash in jail or prison, how do they purchase contraband or gamble?

Inmates are very creative in coming up with alternatives to cash for buying goods and services and taking part in gambling and other recreational activities.

•    Some jails use stamps as a form of currency. 
•    Some use a “unit”, which is basically a candy bar, bag of chips or foil package of tuna.
•    Some buy goods and services for a “tray”, which is basically a meal, especially one that contains food that may be in demand, such as “chicken on the bone”.
•    Some will trade a service such as legal research, haircutting, jail artwork to send to a loved one.
•    Some will agree to clean another’s cell in exchange for a candy bar or some coffee.

Basically, everything and anything can be used for trade instead of cash, but one thing is for certain, in jail, you must pay your debt. If you agree to do something when it comes to owing “money”, and you don’t pay, you may end up with a broken jaw when you least expect it.

What are things prisoners use or trade in lieu of cash?

Inmates in jail and prisoners in prisons, in lieu of cash, trade food, meals, haircuts, cell cleaning, legal research, artwork and communication credits (phone, email, etc.).

What kind of food can an inmate purchase on Commissary?

Commissaries carry every type of food imaginable:

•    Cookies
•    Pastries
•    Candy
•    Tuna and mackerel
•    Coffee
•    Tea
•    Soft drinks
•    Energy drinks
•    Pizza
•    Hamburgers
•    Chicken fingers
•    Spices

Some jails have larger selections than others, and some contract with companies that ship in gift packages of food, and even fast food that can be reheated. 

Prisons in Canada even have small fast-food outlets that operate within the jail. 

What items can inmates purchase in jail and prison? 

Besides the food products mentioned above, inmates can purchase:

•    hygiene products like soaps, shampoos and lotions, 
•    clothing like sweats, t-shirts, hoodies and sneakers,
•    stationary supplies
•    religious garments
•    books
•    televisions, radios and headphones
•    movie and television programming
•    educational courses

What can an Inmate Purchase through Commissary?

People who have never been to jail would be surprised by the large amount of candy, snacks, art supplies, playing cards, hygiene products and clothing that can be purchased through this jail's commissary.

Cheshire Correctional Institution Commissary Order Sheet.

The Cheshire Correctional Institution Commissary Instructions and Information can be found on this page. If you need more information contact the jail by calling 203-651-6100.

Who Can Put Money in an Inmate's Account?

Anybody can contribute to an inmate's books or commissary fund as long as there isn't a no-contact order in place.

Because of the ability for family members and friends to deposit money online using a credit or debit card, jail inmates can now receive funds from anywhere in the world.

WHY DOES AN INMATE NEED MONEY IN THEIR ACCOUNT AT THE Cheshire Correctional Institution?

Since inmates are not allowed to possess cash money while in custody in the Cheshire Correctional Institution, the jail maintains a 'bank account' for the inmate to purchase products and services from their commissary (canteen) store.

Commissary funds allow inmates to purchase items such as personal hygiene products, snacks and stationery supplies from the jail store.

Inmates can use money from their account to purchase phone time credits or prepaid phone cards in order to make outside phone calls to friends and family members.

Many jails also allow an inmate to bail himself out of jail if he has the funds in his account. The bail amount is typically 10-15% of the bond amount set by the court.

Inmate accounts are also used to pay the co-payment for medication and visits to the jail's medical clinic should they become ill.

Medical Copays, Jail Fees and other Inmate Expenses

Many jails debit (charge) an inmate's commissary accounts for medical visits, any medications including over-the-counter pain reliever, jail stay fees, restitution, etc.

Taking this into consideration when deciding how much to deposit will ensure the inmate gets the amount you wanted him to have after things are deducted.

A quick call to the Cheshire Correctional Institution at 203-651-6100 will let you know how much is deducted from the books for each fee related to medical issues or other jail expenses.

Important Tips

Sometimes an inmate's commissary money is used to purchase items to pay gambling debts or purchase prescription medicine from another inmate. If your inmate is spending more than $10.00 a day on commissary items, you are most likely paying for him or her to gamble or buy drugs.

Some inmates, specifically those who are targeted for being weak or are in jail for rape or child molestation, are forced to relinquish their commissary to avoid regular beatings from other inmates.

If you think your inmate is being targeted for violence or having their commissary taken to avoid beatings, contact the Cheshire Correctional Institution and ask to investigate. If an inmate is being targeted, most jails will intervene and have the victim placed in protective custody, away from the general population.

Put your financial needs first and the inmate's second. Don't forget, the inmate is getting three free 2,000 calorie meals a day. The food may not be of the highest quality, but the commissary food is generally much less nutritious.

Connecticut State Department of Correction - Remote Inmate Video Visitation

Video Visitation is done using Microsoft Teams Group Chat Software

  • In order to use Microsoft Teams you need to be registered and prepaid. While you can sign up for free, you get more benefits and it's easier to use with a paid version.
  • Family and friends wishing to participate and receive a Video Visit may consult with their loved one.
  • Next, your detained friend or family member will need to add your name to the visitation list and you will be contacted by a Department of Correction staff member to schedule a day and time for your visit.
  • The following are the instructions and steps to have a video visit with your inmate after you have been added by your inmate, and you have opened your account with Microsoft Teams.
    1. Type www.skype.com in the search bar.
    2. Click 'sign in' in the upper right hand corner.
    3. Click 'New to Skype' Sign up - then 'NEXT'.

    4. Under 'Create Account', add your email address. - then 'NEXT'.
    5. Create a password, then click 'NEXT'.
    6. Enter your first and last name, then click 'NEXT'.
    7. Enter your Country/region, then your birthday, then click 'NEXT'.
    8. Download the SKYPE app to your chosen device, then ...
    9. Sign into SKYPE using your email and password you just registered under.

 

How to Rent a Tablet for an Inmate in Cheshire Correctional Institution

To rent a tablet for an inmate in New Haven County follow these instructions:

  • Register here.  It is recommended you use Chrome or Firefox.
  • Pay for the subscription using Paypal.
  • You get charged the 1st of each month. 
  • You get charged a full month even if it's only used for a partial month.
  • No activation or early termination fees.
  • Your New Haven County inmate will recieve their tablet in 3-5 business days, after you pay.


If you have any questions:

For all New Haven County information on Tablet Rentals for your inmate, check out our Tablet Rental Page.


 

How to Deposit Money in a Cheshire Correctional Institution Inmate's Account

There are four ways to deposit money in an inmate's account in the Connecticut State Department of Correction:

  • Jpay Online Deposits
  • Western Union Online Deposits
  • Touchpay
  • United States Postal Service - Mailing a Payment

In order to do any of these you need to know the exact name the inmate is incarcerated under, and their Inmate ID#.

If you can't find the inmate and booking number online, call the Trust Fund Office at 860-692-7670.



1.  Cheshire Correctional Institution and JPAY.

  • First, you need to know the exact spelling of the inmate's name and inmates ID #
  • You can send money to an inmate/offender's commissary/spendable account through the Send Money page.
  • There are two ways to send money to an inmate/offender in Cheshire, then connect with your inmate.
    4. If you have any questions, call Securus: 972-734-1111 or 800-844-6591.

    To find out fees, how to's, calling times, limits on phone calls and other systems Securus has do that you can communicate with your New Haven County inmate, check out our Inmate Phone Page.
    NOTE: All of your inmate's phone calls are recorded and stored. It is advised not to discuss their pending case.


     

    How to Send a Text or Email Message to an Inmate in Cheshire Correctional Institution

    To send a text or email message to a New Haven County inmate, do the following:

    Cheshire Correctional Institution uses Securus eMessaging for Inmate Email.

    Register here. (You are already registered if you signed up with Securus for 'Phone' or 'Remote Visitation' in New Haven County or any jail or prison in the country).
    Steps: 
    1.  Sign up for eMessaging
    2. Find your New Haven County inmate.
    3. Purchase a book of Securus ‘stamps’.
    4. Type & Send message.

    For all New Haven County information for sending secure messages to an inmate in Cheshire Correctional Institution, including instructions, video examples, fees, limits, tablet rentals and more, check out out Text/Email an Inmate Page.


     

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