How To Send Money To Inmate In Cook County Jail is managed through a secure Individual in Custody Trust Account system run by the Cook County Department of Corrections. Every person held in the jail gets their own trust fund. Family, friends, or approved third-party services can send money to this account. The inmate uses the funds to buy items from the jail commissary. The annual list includes basic clothing like plain-gray T-shirts, socks, and winter jackets. It also has hygiene products such as soap, shampoo, and toothbrushes. Each week, an inmate can spend up to $100 on clothing and supplies and another $100 on food. Any unused money rolls over to the next week. All transactions show on the jail’s kiosk so the inmate can see their balance and spending history.
Approved Methods to Send Money to Cook County Jail Inmates
There are several safe ways to send money to an inmate in Cook County Jail. You can use online platforms, phone services, or in-person kiosks. Each method has its own steps, fees, and processing times. Most services require you to register an account and verify your identity. You’ll also need the inmate’s full name and booking number. Some services let you send money instantly, while others take one to two business days. Always check the latest rules on the official Cook County Sheriff’s website before sending funds.
Online Deposits Through JailATM
JailATM is one of the most used online services for Cook County Jail. To start, go to the JailATM website and create a free account. You must give a valid email address and create a strong password. Next, verify your identity using a driver’s license or state ID. Once logged in, search for the inmate by entering their full name and booking number. Enter the amount you want to send. The service charges a small fee between $0.50 and $1.00 per deposit. After payment, the money usually appears in the inmate’s account within one to two business days. The inmate can check their balance on the jail kiosk.
Telephone Deposits via JailATM
If you prefer to speak with someone, JailATM also accepts phone deposits. Call the toll-free number listed on their website. A live operator will help you through the process. You’ll need to provide your name, the inmate’s full name, booking number, and the deposit amount. The operator will verify your identity and record the transaction. Fees are the same as online deposits—between $0.50 and $1.00. The funds take one to two business days to show up in the inmate’s account. This method is helpful for people who don’t have internet access.
Western Union for Fast Inmate Transfers
Western Union offers a reliable way to send money to Cook County Jail inmates. Start by creating a free account on their website or mobile app. Verify your identity with a government-issued photo ID. Then select “Send Money to an Inmate” and enter the facility name: Cook County Department of Corrections. Add the inmate’s full name and account number. Choose your payment method—credit card, debit card, or bank transfer. Fees range from $1.99 to $4.99 depending on the amount and payment type. Funds are often available within minutes. You’ll get a digital receipt you can save or print.
MoneyGram with Facility Code 7364
MoneyGram is another trusted service for inmate deposits. Use code 7364 when sending money to Cook County Jail. This code ensures the funds go to the right facility. You can send up to $3,000 per transaction. Go to a MoneyGram location or use their website or app. Enter the inmate’s full name and booking number. Choose your funding source—cash, debit, or credit. Fees vary but are usually under $5.00. Deposits appear in the inmate’s account within one to two business days. Always double-check the code and inmate details before sending.
GTL (ConnectNetwork/ViaPath) Deposits
GTL, now part of ViaPath, provides electronic deposit services for Cook County inmates. Visit the GTL website and create a free account. Verify your identity with your Social Security number and a valid ID. Search for the inmate using their name and booking number. Enter the deposit amount and choose your payment method. GTL accepts credit, debit, and bank transfers. Fees are typically between $0.75 and $1.25. Funds are added to the inmate’s trust account within one to two business days. GTL also offers phone calls and messaging services for inmates.
JPAY for Instant Transfers and More
JPAY is a popular platform for sending money to inmates. It supports instant transfers when using a debit card. Create a free JPAY account and verify your identity. Find the inmate by name and booking number. Enter the amount and pay with a debit or credit card. Debit card transfers cost $1.50 for amounts up to $100. Credit cards have slightly higher fees. Funds show up right away for debit payments. JPAY also lets you send emails, schedule video visits, and buy educational content for inmates.
Access Corrections Secure Portal
Access Corrections offers a secure way to send money and messages to inmates. The site uses AES-256 encryption to protect your data. You can also pay bail, parole, or probation fees. Register for a free account and verify your identity. Use Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari for best results. JavaScript must be enabled. The site has a tutorial for first-time users. Search for the inmate, enter the deposit amount, and pay with a card. Fees are low, and funds arrive in one to two business days.
CorrectPay for Fast Kiosk and Online Deposits
CorrectPay allows deposits at jail lobby kiosks, online, or by phone. Visit correctpay.com or call 855-836-3364. Create an account and verify your ID with a driver’s license. Search for the inmate and enter the deposit amount. Each transaction has a $1.00 fee. Funds appear in the inmate’s account within minutes. CorrectPay also supports video visits and secure messaging. All activity is logged for security and compliance.
How to Find an Inmate’s Booking Number
You need the inmate’s booking number to send money. If you don’t have it, use the Cook County Sheriff’s online locator. Go to the official website and click “Individual in Custody Locator.” Enter the inmate’s last name and date of birth. The system will show matching names and booking numbers. You can also call the automated line at 773-674-5245. Have the inmate’s full name and date of birth ready. The system will read back the booking number. Always double-check this number before sending money.
Commissary Spending Rules and Limits
Inmates can use their trust fund to buy items from the jail commissary. The weekly limit is $100 for clothing and supplies and $100 for food. Unused funds roll over to the next week. The commissary list is updated each year. Approved items include plain-gray T-shirts, socks, winter jackets, soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, and snacks. No branded or colored clothing is allowed. All purchases are tracked on the jail kiosk. Inmates can view their balance and transaction history anytime.
Fees, Processing Times, and What to Expect
Each service charges a small fee per transaction. JailATM and GTL charge $0.50 to $1.25. Western Union and MoneyGram charge $1.99 to $4.99. JPAY and CorrectPay charge around $1.00 to $1.50. Most deposits take one to two business days to process. Some, like JPAY debit transfers and CorrectPay, are instant. Always save your receipt. If the money doesn’t appear after two days, contact the service provider. Keep your confirmation number handy.
Prohibited Items and Mail Rules
You cannot send cash, checks, or money orders through the mail. Only approved electronic services are allowed. The jail inspects all incoming mail. Do not include liquids, weapons, or promotional materials. Letters must be handwritten or typed and placed in a plain envelope. Write the inmate’s full name, booking number, and the jail’s address clearly. The mailing address is: Cook County Department of Corrections, 2700 S. California Ave., Chicago, IL 60608. Violating mail rules can delay or block your letter.
Official Resources and Contact Information
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the Cook County Sheriff’s official website. The Trust Account page explains deposit rules and limits. The FAQ section answers common questions about sending money. You can also call the Sheriff’s Office at 773-674-5245 for help. Jail visiting hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The jail is located at 2700 S. California Ave., Chicago, IL 60608. Always check the website before visiting or sending funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about sending money to Cook County Jail inmates. Below are the most common ones with clear, helpful answers. These cover fees, timing, limits, and how to fix problems. If you don’t find your answer here, call the Sheriff’s Office or the service provider directly.
How long does it take for money to reach an inmate’s account?
Most deposits take one to two business days to appear in the inmate’s trust fund. Services like JPAY and CorrectPay show the balance instantly when using a debit card. Western Union and MoneyGram are usually fast, often within minutes. JailATM and GTL take longer, up to two days. Weekends and holidays can delay processing. Always send money early if the inmate needs funds by a certain date. Keep your receipt and confirmation number in case you need to track the deposit.
Can I send cash or a check through the mail?
No, you cannot send cash, checks, or money orders through the mail to Cook County Jail. The jail only accepts electronic deposits through approved services. Sending cash or checks by mail is prohibited and will be rejected. Use JailATM, Western Union, MoneyGram, GTL, JPAY, Access Corrections, or CorrectPay instead. These services are secure and trackable. They also protect your money and ensure it reaches the right inmate. Always use the inmate’s full name and booking number when sending funds.
What happens if I send money to the wrong inmate?
If you enter the wrong name or booking number, the money may go to the wrong account. Contact the service provider immediately with your confirmation number. Most companies can reverse the transaction if caught quickly. Provide the correct inmate details and proof of the error. If the funds are already spent, recovery may not be possible. Always double-check the inmate’s name and booking number before sending. Use the online locator tool to verify the information first.
Is there a limit on how much money I can send?
Yes, there are limits. You can send up to $5,000 per day through most services. MoneyGram has a lower cap of $3,000 per transaction. The inmate can spend $100 per week on clothing and supplies and $100 on food. Unused funds roll over. There is no limit on how much can be in the account, only on weekly spending. Sending large amounts is allowed, but the inmate can only use $200 per week. Plan deposits based on the inmate’s needs and the weekly limit.
Can inmates receive money from multiple people?
Yes, multiple people can send money to the same inmate. Each person must use an approved service and provide the correct booking number. All deposits go into the same trust fund account. The inmate sees the total balance on the jail kiosk. There is no limit on the number of senders. However, the weekly spending limit still applies—$200 total per week. Family and friends can coordinate to ensure the inmate has enough funds without exceeding the limit.
What if the inmate is transferred or released?
If the inmate is transferred to another facility, the trust fund may move with them. Contact the new jail to confirm their deposit process. If the inmate is released, any remaining funds are returned. The Cook County Sheriff’s Office sends a check to the inmate’s last known address. This can take several weeks. Inmates should keep their mailing address updated. Unclaimed funds may be held for up to a year before being processed as unclaimed property.
Are there fees for refunds or cancellations?
Most services do not allow refunds once the money is deposited. If the deposit hasn’t been processed, some providers may cancel it for a small fee. Contact customer service immediately with your confirmation number. Fees for cancellations vary by provider. Western Union and MoneyGram may charge a $5 to $10 fee. JailATM and GTL have similar policies. Always read the terms before sending money. Keep records of all transactions in case you need to dispute a charge.
Official Website: https://www.cookcountysheriffil.gov/departments/cook-county-department-of-corrections/individual-in-custody-trust-accounts/
Phone: 773-674-5245
Address: 2700 S. California Ave., Chicago, IL 60608
Visiting Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM