So Your Buddy Landed in Philly's Finest? A (Slightly Hilarious) Guide to Funding Their Commissary Dreams
Listen, we've all been there. Your friend (who may or may not have borrowed your favorite lucky socks "accidentally") finds themselves on a temporary housing situation courtesy of the Philadelphia justice system. Fear not, friend! While you can't exactly smuggle them a prime cut of ribeye, you can be a financial fairy godparent and get them some sweet commissary treats.
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| How To Put Money On Inmates Books Philadelphia |
Funding Freedom: Your Options for Inmate Accounts
In Philadelphia, there are two main ways to shower your incarcerated pal with financial love:
- AdvancePay: This is their phone call piggy bank. Think of it as a prepaid minute stash they can use to call you and regale you with tales of prison life (though, maybe skip the details about "Lefty" in cellblock C). You can fund AdvancePay at kiosks in the prison lobby.
- Access Corrections: This is where the real magic happens. This is the account they use to buy the good stuff at the commissary. We're talking ramen noodles, instant coffee (prison brew ain't for the faint of heart), and maybe even a pack of playing cards to keep the boredom at bay. Access Corrections allows for online deposits, which is way more convenient than showing up at the prison with a briefcase full of singles.
Important Note: There are separate systems for phone calls and commissary items, so don't accidentally put money for ramen in their phone account (unless you enjoy listening to them sing the ramen noodle jingle on repeat).
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Be a Ballin' Benefactor: Avoiding Common Pitfalls
- Cash is King (for Phone Calls): AdvancePay kiosks only accept cash, so if you're going the phone call route, hit the ATM first.
- Friend, Not Fianc�: There are daily deposit limits, so you can't exactly bail them out with a year's supply of Twizzlers in one go.
- Don't Be a Target: Don't carry around a ton of cash for the kiosk. Be discreet and aware of your surroundings.
Pro Tip: If your friend is the sentimental type, consider sending them a card or letter with a funny message to brighten their day. Just remember, keep it light and avoid mentioning anything that might land you in the same orange jumpsuit.
Frequently Asked Questions: Funding Your Friend's Incarceration Fun
Q: How do I find out my friend's inmate ID?
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A: They (or someone authorized to speak for them) should be able to provide you with this information.
Q: How much can I deposit at a time?
QuickTip: Keep a notepad handy.
A: The daily deposit limit for AdvancePay and Access Corrections is $500.
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Q: Can I send money online for phone calls?
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A: Nope, AdvancePay deposits are kiosk-only (cash only!).
Q: Are there any fees involved?
A: Yes, there are small fees associated with both AdvancePay and Access Corrections deposits. Be sure to check the specific fees before you deposit.
Q: Can I put money on their books if they're in a county jail instead of a state prison?
A: This guide applies specifically to Philadelphia city prisons. If your friend is in a county jail, the process may be different. Check with the jail directly for their inmate funding procedures.
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