Reviewed on: April 07,2026
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Who pays when inmates write back through InmateAid

So when my wife writes me back through inmate aid does it still cost her does she have to buy a stamp and envelope at the prison or does it just cost me?

Most inmates do not have access to the Internet or email, they receive letters through the US Mail.
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Answered by a former federal inmate · 14+ years advising families
✓ Verified answer November 16,2014 · Send Inmate Mail
1

Most inmates do not have access to the Internet or email, they receive letters through the US Mail. Mail call is done Monday through Friday only. Inmates that have money on their inmate trust accounts can purchase stamps and envelopes at the weekly commissary. If they do not have money on their books, the prison will provide indigent inmates with all the materials necessary to send out mail to their loved ones. If your inmate writes to you directly, using your address, the cost of the mailing is a 49 cent stamp. Many of our members use the Inmate Response Mail service through InmateAid. Your inmate would write you back to the return address on the letters which are to the InmateAid corporate offices in Florida. We receive the letters on your behalf, scan them into your My Account section and notify you by email that they are waiting for your review. There is a charge of $1.49 for this service. The people that use this service like the security and privacy this service provides them.

Accepted Answer Date Created: November 16,2014
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About this answer: This response was prepared by InmateAid’s editorial team in consultation with former inmates who have direct experience with the federal correctional system. InmateAid has served families of the incarcerated since 2012. This is general information only — not legal advice. Last reviewed April 2026.