Subject: General prison questions-terminology
When you send a letter through InmateAid, it typically takes about 2–3 business days to arrive at the facility.
After it arrives:
The mailroom opens and inspects all mail for contraband
Some facilities also review content
Delivery to the inmate can take an additional 1–5 days depending on the facility
Because every jail and prison operates differently, exact timing can vary, but most letters are delivered within a few days after arrival.
About sending commissary:
You usually cannot order commissary items directly for an inmate. Instead, you:
Send money through approved services like JPay or Western Union
The funds go into the...
Read moreSubject: General prison questions-terminology
If your package of books was marked “refused,” it is almost always because of a publisher-only rule.
Most jails and prisons will not accept books sent from individuals. Instead, they require:
Books to come directly from a publisher or approved retailer
No personal packages, even if the books are new
How to send books correctly:
Order from a major retailer like Amazon
Choose new books only
Make sure they are shipped directly from Amazon, not a third-party seller
Use the inmate’s full name, ID number, and correct facility address
Other important tips:
Most facilities prefer or...
Read moreSubject: Visitation
This is the contact person with a direct line: Dede Johnson - Operations Manager - Austin TDCJ - Rehabilitation Programs Division 4616 W. Howard Lane Suite 200 Austin, TX 78728 Ph. (512) 671-2151
Subject: General prison questions-terminology
Yes, your husband at Lehigh County Jail is allowed to receive mail, and letters sent through InmateAid are designed to meet facility requirements.
How it works:
Your letter is printed and mailed via USPS
It arrives at the facility just like regular mail
Mailroom staff inspect it for contraband before delivery
How you will know:
You will see confirmation in your account when the letter is mailed out
Delivery inside the facility depends on their mailroom process, which can take a few extra days
About acceptance:
InmateAid follows standard mail rules used by most prisons...
Read moreSubject: Send inmate money
At Mecosta County Jail, Western Union is not supported for sending money to inmates.
The standard method is by money order:
Send a money order by mail
Include the inmate’s full name and ID number clearly
Mail it to:
Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office
225 S. Stewart
Big Rapids, MI 49307
Tips to avoid delays:
Double-check the inmate’s name and ID number
Do not send cash
Follow any specific jail rules listed on their website or by phone
If you want a more convenient option, InmateAid can also prepare and send a money order on your behalf, which helps avoid...
Read moreSubject: Send inmate mail
After the staff opens and inspects each piece of mail, they have "mail call". All the inmates assemble in one spot and the guards hand out the mail one envelope at a time.
It is the inmate’s responsibility to contact you to let you know they received something you mailed. Write to the inmate if you want to confirm delivery of an item you sent to him or her.
Subject: General prison questions-terminology
To visit your brother at Cheshire County Jail, you usually need to be approved on his visitation list first.
What you should do right now:
Call the facility directly and ask about their visitation approval process
In most cases, you will need to complete a visitor application
The jail will run your information through a background check (NCIC) before approving you
Important things to know:
Approval is not always immediate. It can take a few days
If you have a felony record, approval may be denied or require special permission
Some facilities allow walk-in...
Read moreSubject: Visitation
The facility notifies the inmate when a visitation application is approved, not the visitor. That means your family member will know you have been approved before you do, and it is their responsibility to pass that information along to you.
If you have not heard anything after submitting an application, there are two ways to find out your status. The fastest is to ask your family member directly during a call or through a letter. They can check with their housing...
Read moreSubject: Prison discipline
Once an inmate is removed from a drug program due to a disciplinary issue, getting back into the same program is generally not an option. The program is designed around accountability and personal responsibility, and being removed for misconduct disqualifies most participants from re-enrollment. That opportunity is gone.
However, that does not mean all programming options are closed. MTC in Baltimore, as a privately operated facility, typically offers its own set of programs and classes that are separate from what was...
Read moreSubject: Commissary
In most cases, prisons do not automatically take money from what you send, but there are a few situations where deductions can happen.
1. Restitution or fines:
If your inmate has court-ordered restitution or fees:
A portion of deposits may be taken
In federal cases, this is often around 25% of incoming funds
State systems vary, but similar deductions can apply
2. Jail or facility fees:
Some county jails charge:
A daily housing fee
Medical or booking fees
These can be deducted from the inmate’s account over time
3. Other deductions:
Medical or dental visits
Disciplinary fines...
Read more


