So You Wanna Help Bail Out Your Buddy in the Keystone State? A (Mostly) Painless Guide to Sending Money to a Pennsylvania Inmate
Let's face it, nobody ends up in the slammer by following all the rules. Maybe your friend forgot to return that "borrowed" penguin from the zoo (hey, those things aren't cheap!), or perhaps their karaoke rendition of "My Heart Will Go On" was a little too, well, passionate. Whatever the reason, here you are, wondering how to send them some cash for commissary candy and disposable razors.
Fear not, friend! This guide will make navigating the prison wallet system of Pennsylvania easier than hiding a shiv in a Jell-O mold (don't do that, by the way).
 |
| How To Send Money To An Inmate In Pennsylvania |
Gone are the Days of the Hand-Stitched Sock Full of Quarters
Forget stuffing cash in a birthday card (tempting, we know). In Pennsylvania, all inmate funds are handled by a snazzy company called JPay. Think of them like the middleman between your good intentions and your incarcerated buddy's strictly-cafeteria-food diet.
Here's the lowdown on how to JPay your way into inmate-hero status:
Tip: Note one practical point from this post.
- The Online Option: JPay's website is your best friend. You can create an account, find your inmate by name or ID, and send money with a debit or credit card. Be warned: there are some fees involved, so be prepared to pony up a few extra bucks for your good deed.
- The Kiosk Crusader: Feeling a little less web-savvy? Most Pennsylvania prisons have JPay kiosks in their lobbies. These work similarly to the website, but you can use cash or card to fund your inmate's account.
Important Note: Make sure you have the inmate's correct ID number before you start throwing virtual money around. Nobody wants their care package to accidentally end up with "Scarface" Steve instead of "Sweet" Susie.
But Wait, There's More! Fun Facts (and Misconceptions) About Sending Money to Inmates
- Myth: Inmates can use the money to buy cigarettes and escape tunnels. Reality: Inmates can purchase certain approved items from the commissary, but cigarettes and picksaws are definitely not on the list.
- Fact: Some JPay transactions are next-day deposits, meaning your friend could be chomping on a Ding Dong in record time.
- Fun Fact: JPay also allows you to send messages to your inmate buddy. Just avoid discussing escape plans or your Aunt Mildred's secret chili recipe (that one's a national treasure).
Frequently Asked Questions (Because We Know You Have Them)
How to find out an inmate's ID number?
Each Pennsylvania correctional facility has an inmate search function on their website.
QuickTip: Pause at lists — they often summarize.
How much money can I send at once?
JPay has daily and monthly sending limits, so check their website for specifics.
 |
Can I send money orders?
Tip: Don’t rush — enjoy the read.
Nope. JPay has taken over the money order game.
What if I don't have a credit card or debit card?
Some JPay kiosks accept cash deposits.
QuickTip: Slow scrolling helps comprehension.
Can I send a care package with snacks and stuff?
Unfortunately, Pennsylvania prisons don't allow care packages. Bummer, we know.
So there you have it! With a little JPay magic, you can be your incarcerated friend's financial fairy godmother (or godfather, we're not here to judge). Now go forth and spread your financial cheer (and maybe a few bad jokes to keep their spirits up).
 |
