Family and Friends Services

Sending Money to an Offender

The Department of Corrections provides the following three options to send money to an offender. JPAY, Western Union, or Mail.

DOC policy (200.000, Trust Accounts for Offenders”) restricts the ability to place money in trust accounts for multiple offenders. Specifically, it reads: “Family, friends, and/or other individuals may not deposit to more than one offender’s trust account without the Superintendent’s prior approval.” Contraband funds end up being deposited in the Offender Welfare Betterment fund.

JPay money online, over the phone, or in person

Funds sent via JPay may deposited into an offender’s spendable, postage, education, or medical sub–accounts. Offenders may also receive Escorted Leave funds (Funeral/Deathbed visits) via JPay.

When sending money through JPay, you may go online, call customer service (800)574–5729 or go in person at any MoneyGram location nationwide.

Any questions or concerns regarding JPay transfers should be directed to JPay, not the Washington State Department of Corrections.

Western Union money online, over the phone, or in person

NOTE: Western Union’s website has been very unstable lately. If the link above does not work, please use the Western Union main page.

Funds sent via Western Union are deposited into an offender’s spendable sub–account only. When sending money through Western Union, make sure you have the following information handy:

• Code City — WA DOC
• State — WA
• Account Number — DOC number + offender’s last name (example: 123456Doe)
  • You must know the offender’s six digit DOC number and the offender’s last name
  • The last name must match the DOC database exactly. If the offender was booked in our system under Hanson, the name must be spelled as Hanson, even if the person’s name is actually spelled Hansen.
  • Check the Offender Info page for DOC number and last name
• If you are sending money over the phone, ask to use "Quick Collect" to receive the more inexpensive money–sending service.

Any questions or concerns regarding Western Union transfers should be directed to Western Union, not the Washington State Department of Corrections.

Mail (least expensive option) a cashier’s check or money order

A cashier’s check or money order can be deposited into four kinds of sub–accounts and must have the sub–account written on the cashier’s check or money order. Cash or personal checks are not accepted.

Mailing Requirements

• The outside envelope must be addressed with the offender’s full name
• six–digit DOC number
• the correct facility location mailing address
• a legitimate return address (as defined by the USPS)