Cook County Jail - Women's Justice Services Inmate Commissary

Cook County Jail - Women's Justice Services

Address:
3026 South California Avenue
Chicago, IL 60608

Phone:

773-674-7100

Depositing Money for an Inmate's Commissary in Cook County Corrections

How to Deposit Money in a Cook County Jail - Women's Justice Services Inmate's Account

There are five ways to deposit money in an inmate's account in the Cook County Jail Corrections System:

  • Online or Telephone deposits
  • Currency Exchange facilities
  • JailATM
  • United States Postal Service
  • Jail lobby kiosks

In order to do any of these you need to know the exact name the inmate was booked under, and the booking number.

If you can't find the inmate and booking number online, call the Records Office at 773-674-2390.

Each week, an individual in custody can purchase up to $100 worth of clothing & supplies, and also $100 worth of food items.



1. Online or Telephone Deposits - Note that it my take up to two business days for the funds to show up in the inmate's account.

JailATM - You need to first register with JailATM in order to look up your inmate's name and booking number and deposit money into their trust fund account. They charge a small fee every time you make a deposit. If you have questions or prefer to use their phone service in order to deposit money, call them at 870-627-5476.


Western Union - First, you need to know the exact spelling of the inmate's name and booking number.
You also need to know these codes: The City Code is: CCDOC or COOK COUNTY DEPT CORRECTION
State Code is: ILLINOIS

  • Select Send Money, then Send Money to an Individual in Custody and follow Western Union's instructions.
  • For questions, concerns or to add funds via Western Union over the phone, call 800-225-5227.

Money Gram - First, you need to know the exact spelling of the inmate's name, AND their booking number.
You will also have to know the Receive Code, which is 1750.

  • For questions, concerns or to add funds via Money Gram over the phone, call 800-225-5227



2. Currency Exchange Facilities -
Deposit funds in-person at Currency Exchanges that offer Western Union or Money Gram services.

Codes:
Western Union
City Code: CCDOC or COOK COUNTY DEPT CORRECTION
State: ILLINOIS

Money Gram
Receive Code: 1750

JailATM
Visit JailATM to register or call 870-627-5476



3.  Mailing a Payment -

* Money orders - $100 maximum 
* Cashiers Checks - $1,000 maximum


When sending an inmate money by mail, the Cook County Jail - Women's Justice Services will only accept:

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

If you want to send more you can, but you need to send multiple checks that do not exceed the maximum amounts listed above.

**Important Notes**

  • The check/money order must be payable to the Inmate's Name AND Booking Number. Look up the inmate's booking number here if you don't have it.
  • You can also get the inmate's booking number by calling the Inmate Information Line at 773-674-2390.
  • The Cook County Jail reserves the right to decline or return deposits that violate Department Policies.

Mailing Address:
NAME:
BOOKING #:
2700 S. California Ave.
Chicago, IL 60608



4.  Dropping off a payment at a Kiosk - $300 maximum
When dropping off an inmate's money in person, the Cook County Jail - Women's Justice Services will only accept.

  • Cash
  • Visa or Mastercard

These Kiosks are ATM machines that are managed by JailATM.

JailATM Locations at the Cook County Jail to drop off inmate money:

  • External Post 5 [Front Gate Entrance] – 2700 S. California Ave. Chicago, IL 60608
  • External Post 7 – 2834 W. 31st Street Chicago, IL 60608
  • External Post 9 – 2805 S. Sacramento Chicago, IL 60608
  • Division 10 Lobby – 2950 S. California Chicago, IL 60608
  • Division 11 Lobby – 3015 S. California Blvd. Chicago, IL 60608
  • Division 5 Lobby – 2700 S California Ave. Chicago, IL 60608

Rules Regarding Picking up Money When an Inmate is Released from the Cook County Jail - Women's Justice Services

The following is the procedure to pick-up money from an incarcerated male or female inmate’s money account, regardless of which Cook County Jail they were in: 

Once an inmate is released, they can go to the following address, and as long as they can present a government issued picture ID, they can get the balance of their Trust Fund Account issued to them.

Division 5
2700 S. California Ave.
Chicago, IL 60608
Hours: 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

If they don't have an ID, the balance will be mailed to the address that Cook County Corrections has on file. 
If they are being released to another facility, upon request, the balance will be sent there.

Letters can be mailed to:

Cook County Department of Corrections
Trust/Finance Office – Individual in Custody Trust Fund
Division 5 Second Floor
2700 S California Avenue
Chicago, IL 60608

If you have any questions, call the Trust/Finance Office at 773-674-6864.


 

What is an Inmate Commissary?

Commissary, also known as Canteen, is the ‘store’ within a jail or prison where inmates can purchase items that they want or need to make their stay in jail or prison less of a burden.

Snacks and comfort foods, branded hygiene products they are used to, sneakers and t-shirts, prayer blankets, radios, headphones, television sets, tablets, stationary products and art supplies; depending on the facility, there are thousands of products to choose from.

Some jail and prison systems run their own commissary store, others contract out to companies that serve dozens or hundreds of jails, where inmates and/or their friends and families can purchase products through a website from home, or a kiosk or tablet within their facility.

What items can inmates purchase in jail and prison?

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

Hygiene
•    Shampoo
•    Soap
•    Shaving supplies
•    Lotions
•    Deodorant
•    Oral care
•    Toilet paper
•    Nail care

Clothing
•    Sweats
•    Sneakers
•    Shorts
•    Underwear and bras
•    Socks
•    Jackets
•    Hats

Electronics
•    Televisions
•    Radios
•    Headphones
•    Tablets
•    Watches

Miscellaneous
•    Playing cards
•    Games
•    Bibles
•    Books
•    Art supplies
•    Stationery supplies
•    Vaping products (only some states)
•    Greeting cards

How much money can an inmate spend on commissary each month?

Generally, the maximum spend in jail is about $300 per month. Prisons allow a bit more as it is more of a permanent home, whereby jail is temporary. To find out how much an inmate in the Cook County Jail - Women's Justice Services can spend each month, call 773-674-7100.

How often can inmates purchase commissary?

Some jails it's twice a week, others once a week or every other week. A lot of the online stores care pack companies are once a month. To find out the exact schedule for Cook County Jail - Women's Justice Services, call 773-674-7100.

How can a friend or family member deposit money for an inmate in jail or prison?

Cook County Jail - Women's Justice Services has its own methods for receiving money for inmates, and that information can be found above or by calling 773-674-7100 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 Cook County Jail - Women's Justice Services, 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 773-674-7100.

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 Cook County Jail - Women's Justice Services contracts with for inmate deposits, call them at 773-674-7100.

How expensive are items on commissary?

Items on commissary are no more expensive than they would be at a local Walmart store.

What is a Commissary deposit?

A commissary deposit is the money that a person on the outside deposits in an inmate’s trust account, so they can have money to spend on commissary and communication services.

How much money can inmate have in his commissary account?

The limit that an inmate can have in their commissary account is usually about $300.00. To find out what the limit is for Cook County Jail - Women's Justice Services, call 773-674-7100.

Can I send an inmate a package or care pack??

Many jails contract with companies that send food, hygiene products and/or clothing to inmates. These can be purchased and sent by friends and family on a weekly or monthly basis.

You can only send items from the one that your jail has a contract with. 

An inmate carepack is a pack of snacks and/or hygiene products that friends or family members of an inmate can purchase online and have shipped to an inmate. The carepack company needs to have a contract with the facility before it can be shipped to the inmate.

Check this page, the Money Page or the Commissary Page for further information, or call the jail at 773-674-7100 to see which one that the Cook County Jail - Women's Justice Services works with.

Here are the commissary package companies, in alphabetical order, that provide this service to jails in the United States:

Access Securepak
Care A Cell
Commissary order
Correct Pay
Express Account
icare
Inmate Canteen
Jail ATM
Jail Pack Store (McDaniel Supply)
My Care Pack
Oasis (jailcanteen)
Prodigy Solutions
Tiger
Union Supply Direct

Can an inmate buy gifts on commissary?

Not really. Other than the basic supplies mentioned above there are no gifts other than greeting cards that they can fill out and mail to a friend, family or loved one.

Cook County Department of Corrections In-Person Inmate Visitation

(Scroll down for Video Visitation instructions)

As long as there is a threat of inmates getting sick from COVID or other pandemic related illness, the following rules will be in affect for all inmates and their visitors:

  • Visitation will only be approved for visitors completing the Cook County Department of Corrections Visitation Application.
  • Visitation will only be allowed for inmates who have been vaccinated.
  • You must apply for a visit at least 48 hours before you request to visit.
  • To find out when your inmate is allowed to have in-person visits, look them up online and view the area of their listing that indicates the times they can have visits. (see circled area below).
  • If you fill out the application and are NOT approved, you may find the answer by looking up your inmate and seeing if they are allowed visitors, or you can call 773-674-8225 or 773-674-8194 to find out why, and what you need to do to get approved.
  • For questions regarding scheduling you can also get answers by emailing the Visitor Information Unit.

These are the in-person COVID visitation guidelines:

  • In person visits will be in an outdoor, social distancing setting.
  • All visitors will be screened by staff for symptoms of COVID-19; temperature check and brief questionnaire, prior to entry.
  • All visitors must wear a face mask that covers their nose and mouth and maintain social distancing (at least 6 feet) at all times during their in-person visit. If you don't follow this guideline, the visit will be immediately ended.
  • If you have COVID symptoms, you will not be permitted entry into the Department of Corrections.
  • If you experienced any COVID symptoms within 14 days prior to your scheduled in-person visit or have tested positive for COVID within 10 days of your scheduled in-person visit, you will not be allowed to enter the Department of Corrections.
  • If you are NOT fully vaccinated (defined as 14-90 days since receiving all doses of a COVID vaccine), the following guidelines also apply:
    **If you have been in close contact (direct physical contact, or within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more) with an individual with COVID within 10 days of your scheduled in-person visit (or within 7 days if you test negative no earlier than 5 days after close contact), please do not come to the Cook County Jail.
    **If you have returned from a state covered by the City of Chicago’s travel order in the last 10 days of your scheduled in-person visit, you will not be allowed to enter the jail unless you test negative for COVID no more than 72 hours before arriving in Chicago.

These are the general rules for visitation:

  • All visitors MUST present a valid, government issued picture ID to gain admittance.
  • Minors age 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. If a minor is high school age, they must present a school picture ID.
  • A parent can bring up to three minors on a visit.
  • No communication is allowed with any other inmate in custody that you are not been approved to visit.
  • Scroll down for more detailed rules regarding dress code.
  • Family and friends wishing to participate and receive an In-Person 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 Cook County Jail staff member to schedule a day and time for your visit.

Once regular in-person visitation returns in 2023, the following will link you to the actual visitation schedules for each Cook County Jail Division:


Cook County Department of Corrections 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 Cook County Jail 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 Deposit Money in a Cook County Jail - Women's Justice Services Inmate's Account

There are five ways to deposit money in an inmate's account in the Cook County Jail Corrections System:

  • Online or Telephone deposits
  • Currency Exchange facilities
  • JailATM
  • United States Postal Service
  • Jail lobby kiosks

In order to do any of these you need to know the exact name the inmate was booked under, and the booking number.

If you can't find the inmate and booking number online, call the Records Office at 773-674-2390.

Each week, an individual in custody can purchase up to $100 worth of clothing & supplies, and also $100 worth of food items.



1. Online or Telephone Deposits - Note that it my take up to two business days for the funds to show up in the inmate's account.

JailATM - You need to first register with JailATM in order to look up your inmate's name and booking number and deposit money into their trust fund account. They charge a small fee every time you make a deposit. If you have questions or prefer to use their phone service in order to deposit money, call them at 870-627-5476.


Western Union - First, you need to know the exact spelling of the inmate's name and booking number.
You also need to know these codes: The City Code is: CCDOC or COOK COUNTY DEPT CORRECTION
State Code is: ILLINOIS

  • Select Send Money, then Send Money to an Individual in Custody and follow Western Union's instructions.
  • For questions, concerns or to add funds via Western Union over the phone, call 800-225-5227.

Money Gram - First, you need to know the exact spelling of the inmate's name, AND their booking number.
You will also have to know the Receive Code, which is 1750.

  • For questions, concerns or to add funds via Money Gram over the phone, call 800-225-5227



2. Currency Exchange Facilities -
Deposit funds in-person at Currency Exchanges that offer Western Union or Money Gram services.

Codes:
Western Union
City Code: CCDOC or COOK COUNTY DEPT CORRECTION
State: ILLINOIS

Money Gram
Receive Code: 1750

JailATM
Visit JailATM to register or call 870-627-5476



3.  Mailing a Payment -

* Money orders - $100 maximum 
* Cashiers Checks - $1,000 maximum


When sending an inmate money by mail, the Cook County Jail - Women's Justice Services will only accept:

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

If you want to send more you can, but you need to send multiple checks that do not exceed the maximum amounts listed above.

**Important Notes**

  • The check/money order must be payable to the Inmate's Name AND Booking Number. Look up the inmate's booking number here if you don't have it.
  • You can also get the inmate's booking number by calling the Inmate Information Line at 773-674-2390.
  • The Cook County Jail reserves the right to decline or return deposits that violate Department Policies.

Mailing Address:
NAME:
BOOKING #:
2700 S. California Ave.
Chicago, IL 60608



4.  Dropping off a payment at a Kiosk - $300 maximum
When dropping off an inmate's money in person, the Cook County Jail - Women's Justice Services will only accept.

  • Cash
  • Visa or Mastercard

These Kiosks are ATM machines that are managed by JailATM.

JailATM Locations at the Cook County Jail to drop off inmate money:

  • External Post 5 [Front Gate Entrance] – 2700 S. California Ave. Chicago, IL 60608
  • External Post 7 – 2834 W. 31st Street Chicago, IL 60608
  • External Post 9 – 2805 S. Sacramento Chicago, IL 60608
  • Division 10 Lobby – 2950 S. California Chicago, IL 60608
  • Division 11 Lobby – 3015 S. California Blvd. Chicago, IL 60608
  • Division 5 Lobby – 2700 S California Ave. Chicago, IL 60608

Rules Regarding Picking up Money When an Inmate is Released from the Cook County Jail - Women's Justice Services

The following is the procedure to pick-up money from an incarcerated male or female inmate’s money account, regardless of which Cook County Jail they were in: 

Once an inmate is released, they can go to the following address, and as long as they can present a government issued picture ID, they can get the balance of their Trust Fund Account issued to them.

Division 5
2700 S. California Ave.
Chicago, IL 60608
Hours: 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

If they don't have an ID, the balance will be mailed to the address that Cook County Corrections has on file. 
If they are being released to another facility, upon request, the balance will be sent there.

Letters can be mailed to:

Cook County Department of Corrections
Trust/Finance Office – Individual in Custody Trust Fund
Division 5 Second Floor
2700 S California Avenue
Chicago, IL 60608

If you have any questions, call the Trust/Finance Office at 773-674-6864.

For more information, including fees, more detailed instructions, deposit limits, type of items available to purchase, and more, check out our Inmate Money page.


 

How to Send Mail to an Inmate in the Cook County Jail - Women's Justice Services

Cook County Jail - Women's Justice Services Inmates are allowed mail in envelopes and on postcards. They are also allowed to receive photos.

They are also allowed to receive books and magazines, but not newspapers.

Mailing Address:
NAME:
BOOKING #:
2700 S. California Ave.
Chicago, IL 60608

To learn all the rules, policies and guidelines, and they are extensive, for sending anything in the mail to an inmate at any of the Cook County Jails, check out our Inmate Mail Page.


 

How Do You Communicate with an Inmate in the Cook County Jail - Women's Justice Services by Phone

Follow these instructions on how to open an account with GTL Connect Network (aka Viapath Technologies)

  • Advance Pay - This phone account allows you to prepay so that your inmate can call you (and only you) whenever he/she wants and the cost of each call is deducted from your balance. You can even be notified by text when your balance gets low. You still have the option of accepting or rejecting each call.
  • Pin Debit  -  This option allows you to fund an inmate's commissary account and lets him pay for phone calls to you and others with the money. You will have no control over who your inmate calls.
  • Voicemail  -  You can leave a secure voicemail without having to contact the facility. When you call the local phone number for a facility offering Inmate Voicemail (call Customer Service at 877-650-4249 to get the local voicemail number for Cook County Jail - Women's Justice Services, you will be informed of the cost for leaving a message. To leave your message, simply select the inmate by ID number. Then, record your voicemail.

For full instructions on the Cook County Jail - Women's Justice Services Inmate Phone System, what the costs are, how it works, and tips and guidelines on rules, regulations and saving money on calls, check out our Inmate Phones Page.


 

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