Sending Money in South Dakota (SD DOC)

Money for a person in South Dakota DOC custody is handled through two separate accounts: a phone account for calls and tablet services, and a trust account for commissary and personal spending. The two are funded differently, and money in one does not pay for the other. The phone-account method is established; the trust-account deposit method should be confirmed with the SD DOC before sending (see below).

Phone account (ViaPath AdvancePay)

Calls and tablet services in South Dakota run through ViaPath Technologies (GTL), billed on the ConnectNetwork platform. There are two ways to put money toward calls:

• AdvancePay — a prepaid account a family member sets up to receive the person’s calls. Set it up online through the ViaPath/ConnectNetwork site or by phone at 800-483-8314.
• PIN Debit — funds added to the person’s own calling account, which the person draws down when placing calls.

A per-deposit service fee, set by the vendor, applies. For how calls, tablet messaging, and video visits are set up, see Phone & Video in South Dakota.

Trust (commissary) account

The trust account is what the person uses for commissary — food, hygiene items, and other approved goods sold at the institution — and other personal spending. It is separate from the phone account above.

Confirm the current trust-account deposit method and address with the South Dakota DOC before sending money. Published information is not consistent on a single deposit vendor, so this guide does not name one:

• A U.S. postal money order made payable to the person and mailed to the facility is the traditional method. Include the person’s full name and DOC number, and send it to the address the facility lists for funds.
• An electronic deposit option may also be available through the DOC’s vendor (online or by phone). Confirm whether one is offered, who the payee is, and the correct address before sending.

Because the payee, address, and fees can differ depending on the method, verify the current details on the SD DOC site or by calling the DOC rather than relying on a third-party listing.

Don’t hand money over at a visit

Funds are added only through the methods above. Money is not accepted in person during a visit. South Dakota also scans incoming personal mail and delivers it to the person’s tablet, so cash or a money order tucked into a letter does not reach the person (see Mail in South Dakota). A money order intended for the trust account must go to the address the DOC lists for funds — confirm that address first.

Verify Before Acting

For the general, nationwide overview of this topic, see the national guide: Sending Money.