Having a loved one incarcerated can be a challenging and emotional experience, especially when it comes to ensuring their basic needs are met while they are behind bars. One of the ways to support them is by putting money on their inmate books, which allows them to purchase essential items such as food, toiletries, and clothing. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to put money on Cook County inmate books, making it easier for you to support your loved ones during this difficult time.
Understanding the Importance of Inmate Books
Inmate books, also known as commissary accounts, are an essential part of an inmate’s daily life. These accounts allow inmates to purchase items that are not provided by the correctional facility, such as snacks, personal care items, and clothing. Having money on their inmate books can greatly improve an inmate’s quality of life, providing them with access to basic necessities and comforts.
Why is it Important to Put Money on Inmate Books?
Putting money on an inmate’s books is crucial for several reasons:
- It allows them to purchase essential items that are not provided by the correctional facility.
- It provides them with a sense of independence and autonomy.
- It can improve their mental and emotional well-being.
- It can help them stay connected with their loved ones through phone calls and letters.
Methods for Putting Money on Cook County Inmate Books
There are several ways to put money on Cook County inmate books, making it convenient for you to support your loved ones. Here are some of the most common methods:
Online Deposits
One of the easiest ways to put money on an inmate’s books is through online deposits. The Cook County Department of Corrections has partnered with several online payment platforms, including:
These platforms allow you to create an account, add funds, and deposit money into an inmate’s commissary account. You can use a credit or debit card to make deposits, and the funds are typically available to the inmate within 24 hours.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Online Deposits
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making online deposits:
- Visit the website of the online payment platform you have chosen.
- Create an account or log in if you already have one.
- Add funds to your account using a credit or debit card.
- Enter the inmate’s name and ID number to locate their commissary account.
- Select the amount you want to deposit and confirm the transaction.
Phone Deposits
Another way to put money on an inmate’s books is through phone deposits. You can call the online payment platform’s customer service number and make a deposit over the phone. Here are the phone numbers for the platforms mentioned earlier:
- Access Corrections: 866-345-1884
- JPay: 800-574-5729
- MoneyGram: 800-926-9400
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Phone Deposits
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making phone deposits:
- Call the customer service number of the online payment platform.
- Provide the inmate’s name and ID number to locate their commissary account.
- Inform the customer service representative of the amount you want to deposit.
- Provide your credit or debit card information to complete the transaction.
In-Person Deposits
You can also make in-person deposits at the Cook County Department of Corrections or at designated locations throughout the county. Here are the locations where you can make in-person deposits:
- Cook County Department of Corrections: 3015 S. California Ave, Chicago, IL 60608
- Cook County Jail: 2700 S. California Ave, Chicago, IL 60608
Step-by-Step Guide to Making In-Person Deposits
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making in-person deposits:
- Visit the Cook County Department of Corrections or a designated location.
- Inform the staff that you want to make a deposit into an inmate’s commissary account.
- Provide the inmate’s name and ID number to locate their account.
- Provide the cash or credit/debit card information to complete the transaction.
Tips and Reminders
Here are some tips and reminders to keep in mind when putting money on Cook County inmate books:
- Make sure to have the inmate’s correct name and ID number to avoid any errors.
- Check the online payment platform’s fees and limits before making a deposit.
- Deposits can take up to 24 hours to process, so plan accordingly.
- You can also set up recurring deposits to make it easier to support your loved ones.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when putting money on Cook County inmate books:
- Entering incorrect inmate information, which can delay or prevent the deposit from being processed.
- Not checking the online payment platform’s fees and limits, which can result in unexpected charges.
- Not planning ahead, which can result in delays or insufficient funds.
Conclusion
Putting money on Cook County inmate books is a thoughtful way to support your loved ones during a difficult time. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your loved ones have access to the essential items they need to maintain their physical and emotional well-being. Remember to check the online payment platform’s fees and limits, plan ahead, and avoid common mistakes to make the process smoother and more efficient.
By providing your loved ones with the support they need, you can help them stay positive and focused on their rehabilitation. With the right resources and support, they can overcome the challenges of incarceration and emerge stronger and more resilient than ever.
What is the purpose of putting money on a Cook County inmate’s book?
Putting money on a Cook County inmate’s book allows them to purchase essential items and services while incarcerated. This can include toiletries, clothing, and food from the commissary, as well as making phone calls and sending emails. By providing financial support, you can help improve your loved one’s quality of life during their time in jail.
Having access to these basic necessities can also help reduce stress and anxiety for the inmate, making their experience less difficult. Additionally, some inmates may use the funds to pay for educational or rehabilitation programs, which can aid in their personal growth and development during their incarceration.
How do I find out if my loved one is eligible to receive money on their book?
To determine if your loved one is eligible to receive money on their book, you can visit the Cook County Sheriff’s Office website or contact them directly. You will need to provide the inmate’s name and identification number to verify their eligibility. You can also check the inmate’s status on the Cook County inmate locator tool, which provides information on their current housing location and any restrictions on receiving funds.
If your loved one is eligible, you can proceed with depositing funds into their account. However, if they are not eligible, you may want to contact the Cook County Sheriff’s Office to understand the reason for the restriction and any alternative options for providing support.
What are the accepted payment methods for putting money on a Cook County inmate’s book?
The Cook County Sheriff’s Office accepts various payment methods for depositing funds into an inmate’s account. These include cash, credit/debit cards, and money orders. You can make deposits in person at the Cook County Jail, online through the sheriff’s office website, or by phone using a credit/debit card.
When making a deposit, you will need to provide the inmate’s name and identification number to ensure the funds are applied correctly. It’s essential to follow the instructions carefully and provide accurate information to avoid any delays or issues with the deposit.
Can I put money on a Cook County inmate’s book online?
Yes, you can put money on a Cook County inmate’s book online through the Cook County Sheriff’s Office website. The website provides a secure and convenient way to deposit funds into an inmate’s account using a credit/debit card. To make an online deposit, you will need to create an account, provide the inmate’s information, and follow the prompts to complete the transaction.
Online deposits are typically processed quickly, and the funds are available to the inmate shortly after the transaction is completed. However, it’s essential to note that there may be a small processing fee associated with online deposits.
How long does it take for the funds to be available to the inmate?
The time it takes for the funds to be available to the inmate depends on the payment method used. Cash deposits made in person are typically available immediately, while online deposits and money orders may take a few hours to process. Credit/debit card deposits made by phone may also take a few hours to process.
Once the funds are deposited, the inmate can access them through their account and use them to make purchases or pay for services. It’s essential to note that there may be a delay in processing funds during peak hours or due to technical issues.
Can I put money on a Cook County inmate’s book if I am not a family member?
Yes, you can put money on a Cook County inmate’s book even if you are not a family member. The Cook County Sheriff’s Office allows anyone to deposit funds into an inmate’s account, as long as they have the inmate’s name and identification number. This can be a friend, acquaintance, or concerned citizen who wants to provide support to the inmate.
However, it’s essential to note that the inmate may have restrictions on receiving funds from certain individuals or sources. If you are not a family member, it’s a good idea to verify with the inmate or the Cook County Sheriff’s Office before making a deposit.
Are there any fees associated with putting money on a Cook County inmate’s book?
Yes, there may be fees associated with putting money on a Cook County inmate’s book, depending on the payment method used. Online deposits and credit/debit card transactions may incur a small processing fee, which is typically a percentage of the deposit amount. Money orders may also have a fee associated with them, depending on the issuer.
It’s essential to review the fees associated with each payment method before making a deposit. You can find information on fees on the Cook County Sheriff’s Office website or by contacting them directly.