Here are visitation details for February 21-22:

Both in-person and virtual visitation are approved for ALL institutions except for these dorms/units:

• No exceptions at this time

All visits must be scheduled at least 15 hours ahead by using the GTL scheduler.

Visits at SCDC maximum-security and higher-security medium custody institutions are non-contact. Visits at those institutions are in booths separated by plexiglass. Those institutions are Broad River, Kershaw, Kirkland, Lee, Lieber, McCormick, Perry, Ridgeland and Turbeville.

All other institutions allow contact visits. Those include Allendale, Camille Graham, Evans, Goodman, Leath, Livesay, MacDougall, Manning, Palmer, Trenton, Tyger River and Wateree River. 

Visitation rules:

Anyone caught bringing contraband into SCDC will be arrested and prohibited from visiting again.

Find complete visitation rules for minimum-security and female institutions here. (PDF)

Find complete visitation rules for medium-security institutions with contact visitation here. (PDF)

Find complete visitation rules for medium- and close-security institutions with non-contact visitation here. (PDF)

See also these important general visitation guidelines and the information below.

Virtual visitation is available at some institutions Monday-Friday. Those decisions are made at the institution. For more information about virtual visitation schedules, contact the institution directly.

The S.C. Department of Corrections is updating and simplifying its visitation application and approval process.

Beginning Thursday, Feb.12, 2026, potential visitors will have one application to fill out. That application will be for the visitation scheduling system and can be filled out online at https://scdoc.gtlvisitme.com/app

As the agency transitions to this process, those with pending applications in the visitation scheduling system might receive an email asking for more information. Please be on the lookout for this and follow instructions in the email. 

When filling out your online application, please have your documents nearby and ready to upload. Adults are required to submit a driver’s license, and you’ll need a long-form birth certificate for minors. If we need additional documents, someone will contact you.

If you are already approved for visitation scheduling, this will not affect you. The process for scheduling visits will not change.

If you are already an approved visitor in the Viapath/Vismanager system and have been assigned a visitor identification number, no action is necessary. Please log into the system to check the status of your application.

Once this new process is complete, visitors will be able to access their accounts online and make changes if needed. For example, if your telephone number changes, you will be able to make that change yourself.

If you have specific questions about our visitation policy, you can find it on our website at OP-22.09, "Inmate Visitation," The policy name is OP-22.09.

If you need help while navigating this process, please email visitation@doc.sc.gov

Thank you for your patience as we make these changes, which should help speed up and streamline the process of approving people to visit their loved ones.

Why might I be denied visiting privileges?

• Providing false information on your visitation application.
• If you are a former inmate. Some exceptions are made for former inmates who are immediate family members.
• You have a criminal record or pending criminal charges.
• Anyone may be disapproved if they pose a threat to the safe and secure operation of the institution.
• You are dressed inappropriately or determined to be under the influence or alcohol or drugs when you arrive at the institution for your visit.
• You refuse to go through security screening at the institution.

Visitation is offered on Saturdays and Sundays for all institutions.

Visits must be scheduled ahead of time on the SCDC/GTL scheduler. If you have not created an account, click here to do so.

For virtual visitation, you should first read carefully: the virtual visitation instructions and FAQ (PDF) before creating an account.

Visits will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will be scheduled in 2-hour blocks. General population inmates with visitation privileges will be allowed four in-person visits per month.

Inmates may have one visit per weekend and up to four visits per month.

Inmates may have up to four visitors at a time, one of which must be an adult. Children of all ages can visit. Children age 10 and older must have a government-issued photo ID to visit. Children age nine and younger must show a long-form birth certificate.

Please note: Inmates at Tyger River are allowed one visit per weekend. Back-to-back visits on the same weekend cannot be accommodated. This adjustment is to ensure fairness and equal access to visitation for all inmates at Tyger River Correctional Institution. 

Families of inmates who have visitation privileges and live in housing units other than general population need to schedule visits by calling the institution.

Questions? Email visitation@doc.sc.gov .

Virtual visits continue for inmates who are not in quarantine dorms. If you have questions, please email visitation@doc.sc.gov.

Restroom use during visitation 

While visitors are encouraged to use the restroom before arriving at the institution, some accommodations are made for restroom use during weekend visitation.

Visitors may use the visitation room restrooms one time during a two-hour visit. If children age nine or younger are present, they must accompany the adult visitor to the restroom. This will be considered as both visitors’ one-time use.

Also, restrooms located outside the institution or in the lobby might be available before processing through the security area.

Vending Machine Policy

As of July 1, 2024, all vending machines in Visitation at Broad River, Evans, Kirkland, Kershaw, Lee, Lieber, McCormick, Perry, Turbeville and Tyger River will accept debit/credit cards only. Visitors are now allowed to bring in these cards for visits. PayKeys will no longer be accepted. If there are any questions regarding this, please leave a message at 803-400-8941 or email scdcvending@gmail.com. Thank you.

Vending machines at Camille Graham, Goodman, Leath, Livesay, MacDougall, Manning, Palmer, Trenton and Wateree are operated by the South Carolina Commission for the Blind and now accept debit/credit cards only.  PayKeys are no longer accepted at these institutions.

If you have an issue, the phone number for the vending contractor is provided on a sticker on each machine. You should contact the vending contractor directly through the posted phone number regarding your refund, or you may also leave a message at 803-400-8941 or email scdcvending@gmail.com. 

Virtual visitation is available at all institutions for those on an inmate's visitation list, depending on COVID restrictions. Virtual visits can be done on any kind of computer, tablet or smartphone. This is now available on Apple products, including iPhones, iPads and Macintosh computers.

Virtual Visitation Instructions and Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

Click here to schedule a visit.
Virtual Visitation Quick Reference Guide (PDF)
Virtual Visitation: Moving from Flash to WebRTC (PDF)
Walk-through for Mobile Download for Android Devices (PDF)

Register or log-in: scdoc.gtlvisitme.com/app

All visits must be scheduled through the GTL scheduling tool, and visitors must be on the inmate’s approved SCDC visitation list.

Follow these directions (PDF) after logging in to GTL.

Click here to schedule a visit.

Visitation is an important component of the rehabilitation process and is conducted in the least restrictive manner possible while meeting requirements of safety, security, classification, and space availability. Review visitation guidelines in the section below: Rules for Visitors

Apply to visit: All applications are handled online. Click here to create an account and fill out an application.

Visitation Inquiry Line: 803-896-1838
Press 1 — for questions regarding the visitation application process. If the recording does not answer your question, you may leave a message including your phone number (with area code) and staff will return your call.
   
Visitation cancellations are listed on the agency website and X account at SCDCNews.

Visitation lists: Each inmate in the S.C. Department of Corrections is allowed to have a maximum of 15 approved visitors on his/her visiting list. 

Once an application form has been properly completed, submitted, and approved, the individual is added to the inmate's visiting list. An inmate is provided a copy of his approved visiting list once a week if a change is made during that week. Approved visitors will be notified by email.

Children: Minor children on the approved visitation list must be accompanied by an adult and will be allowed to visit only if they are the inmate's brothers and sisters, the inmate's children (natural or legally adopted), the inmate's stepchildren, grandchildren, or step-grandchildren. When an individual arrives at an institution to visit, everyone ages 10 and older must present a public safety picture identification. Those younger than age 10 must show a copy of their long-form birth certificate. 

Nieces and nephews: Certain criteria must be met before an inmate who wishes to have minor nieces or nephews visit. This information is available to the inmates at their institution, but first and foremost the inmate must be incarcerated at least three consecutive years.

Reception and Evaluation: Inmates are not allowed to have in-person visitors during the reception and evaluation process unless they remain in the Reception and Evaluation Center longer than 30 days and the visitor is on the approved visiting list. After 30 days, only an inmate's parents (including stepparents), grandparents, siblings, grandchildren, spouse, and/or children (including stepchildren) are eligible to visit at R&E. If you are on the approved visiting list and the inmate has been here 30 days, call Kirkland R&E at 803-896-2000 or Camille R&E at 803-896-1296 between the hours of 8 a.m.-noon on Mondays and Tuesdays only.

Immediate family: Immediate family refers to an inmate's mother, father, wife, husband, common-law spouse, children (including adopted), sisters, brothers, grandmothers, grandfathers, great-grandmothers, great-grandfathers, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, stepparents, stepgrandparents, stepsiblings, stepchildren, step-grandchildren, half-siblings and foster parents. All family members might be required to verify relationships with certified documentation.

NOTICE TO VISITORS AND INMATES:

What can I bring into the prison?

• One small clear bag.
• Phones, smart watches and any other Bluetooth or wireless devices are not allowed.
• Tobacco products are not allowed.
• Cash is not allowed. Vending machines accept major credit cards.
• One set of car keys is allowed.
• Photo ID
• If you are required to take medication during visitation hours, you may bring only that dose in its original prescribed container with the original pharmacy label.
• All visitors will go through security screenings before entering the prison.

Rules for children:

• Children younger than 18 on the approved visitation list must be accompanied by an adult who also is an approved visitor. If someone else brings them, they must bring a notarized copy of Form 19-118 – “Authorization for Adult Supervision of a Minor.”
• Approved children ages 10 and older must bring a state-issued photo ID. Those younger than 10 must bring a long-form birth certificate.
• Food and supplies allowed for children include no more than five diapers, three baby bottles or two clear sippy cups, three jars of sealed baby food in a clear plastic bag and baby wipes in a clear plastic bag.
• Infant carriers are permitted but will be searched.
• Visitors are required to keep children as orderly as possible. Otherwise, they might be asked to leave.

What is the dress code for visiting?

• Shirts and shoes are mandatory.
• Shirts and dresses must have sleeves. Tank tops and halter tops are not allowed.
• See-through fabrics are not allowed.
• Shorts are allowed and must be no shorter than three inches above the knee.
• Dresses and skirts must be knee-length and not have a slit higher than three inches above the knee.
• Items that depict profane or offensive pictures or words are prohibited.
• Tight clothing is not permitted. This includes spandex, leggings and tank tops.
• Approved jewelry includes wedding rings, one pair of earrings, one religious medallion on a necklace or chain, one wristwatch and a medical alert bracelet.
• Hair pieces and accessories are allowed but are subject to being searched.
• The duty warden decides on any questions. The decision is final.

What is not allowed during visitation? 

Except as otherwise noted, visitors are prohibited from engaging in the following activities. Any violation of the following rules of conduct may result in the immediate termination of a visit or further visitation suspension.

• Loitering.
• Taking anything from the grounds of the institution, including a gift from the inmate, without permission from the warden or his designee.
• Walking or driving along the perimeter road.
• Photographing buildings and fences.
• Playing loud music on SCDC property.
• Yelling at an inmate or staff member.
• Bringing anything to an inmate other than items purchased in the visitation room vending machines.
• Leaving children unattended in vehicles.

Other rules of visitation:

• Inmates with contact-visitation privileges are allowed to embrace and kiss visitors at the beginning and end of a visit.
• Only service animals are allowed.
• Visitors are not allowed to switch tables or visit with inmates other than the person they are authorized to visit.
• Male inmates are allowed to hold children younger than two in their laps.
• Female inmates are allowed to hold children six and younger in their laps.

What happens if I break a rule?

• The warden, duty warden, or an approved designee has the authority to terminate a visit while the visit is in progress if you or the inmate violate any established rules and regulations.
• For more serious violations, visitation privileges might be suspended for two years, indefinitely or permanently, depending on the violation.

Who can I contact if I have other questions?

• It’s always best to start by calling the institution in which your inmate is housed.
• You also can email visitation@doc.sc.gov for other help.

All incoming inmate mail must be clearly marked with the inmate’s legal name, SCDC number, living unit, full name of the institution, street address, city, state, and zip code with a complete return address in the upper left-hand corner. However, every effort is made to deliver all mail received at every institution.

All mail will be opened and inspected by postal staff prior to being delivered to the inmate. Legal mail is opened and inspected in the presence of the inmate. Mail is not read unless there is reason to believe illegal activity or activity in violation of Agency rules and regulations is present.

Inmates are not allowed to receive cash, stamps, any writing materials, anything to eat, drink, or smoke. General population inmates may receive books, magazines, newspapers if they are sent directly from the publisher or from a publication supplier (licensed bookstore) and if they are paid for in advance. Inmates in lock up areas are limited as to what they may receive.

It is best to contact the inmate to inquire as to what is and what is not allowed before sending anything other than a letter.

In order to reduce the potential for the introduction of contraband into our prisons and keep our inmates and employees safe, effective October 1, 2025, inmates will only be able to receive publications that are sent directly to the inmate from one of the approved vendors listed below:

• Hamilton Book

• Books N Things Warehouse

• Books2Inmates

• SureShot Books Publishing, LLC

• Barnes & Noble (online only)*

• Books-A-Million (online only)*

*Books from Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million shall only be purchased online. Books from Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million that are purchased in-store, even if they are sent directly to the inmate, will be rejected and will be sent to Contraband for disposal. 

Books sent to inmates from other sources or other vendors will be rejected. The inmates will not have an opportunity to return these books to the sender for a refund, and instead, the books will be sent to Contraband for disposal. 

A legitimate invoice or receipt on business stationary/letterhead must be enclosed with the publication(s) received from one of the approved vendors showing the publication was paid for in advance.

Books purchased from these five vendors may still be rejected for content per SCDC Policy PS-10.08.

Magazines or other subscription publications are not required to come from one of the approved vendors listed above, but they are required to be paid for in advance, addressed to the inmate, and shall only come directly from a verified online subscription source. 

Only paperback books are allowed within the institution, as inmates are prohibited from receiving hardback books.

The full policy relating to Inmate Correspondence Privileges can be found on our website at PS-10.08, paragraph 9.

1. Q. How do I address a letter to an inmate?

A. In the upper-left corner of the envelope, you must have the name of sender and complete return address including city, state, and zip code. In the middle of the envelope, you must have the inmate’s incarcerated name, SCDC inmate number, living/dorm unit, institution name, and complete address of the institution including city, state, and zip code

Example: 

2. Q. How do I find the dorm/living unit or the mailing address for an inmate?

Use the online inmate search. When you've found the proper inmate, click on the name, and the "Inmate Search Detail Report" is displayed. Look in the right column ("INMATE SENTENCE AND LOCATION") for the SCDC ID (inmate number), LOCATION (institution name), and DORM-ROOM-BUNK (living/dorm unit). You'll find institution mailing addresses here.

3. Q. How many pictures may I send an inmate?

A. Only 10 photos per envelope are permitted. If more than 10 pictures are sent, the inmate will have the option to select 10 pictures, all others will be sent to contraband or discarded by the inmate.

Note: Inmates housed in an RHU (Restricted Housing Unit) or R&E (Reception and Evaluation) cannot receive any photos.

4. Q. Can I send cash, a check, or a money order to an inmate?

A. Not by mailing directly to the inmate or to SCDC, but family members and friends can make deposits into an inmate's personal spending account (Cooper Trust Fund account) by mailing a money order and deposit slip to a special address. See details below. Note that inmates can receive money faster if you use a computer, mobile app, or telephone to make a deposit.

5. Q. How many newspaper/magazine clippings/crossword puzzle pages or info from the internet (except for info from the SCDC website) may I send?

A. Up to five pages per envelope provided that the contents do not depict questionable material.

6. Q. Can I send an inmate a Bible, Quran, magazine or a book?

A. Inmates may receive single copies of publications from a publisher or publication supplier (e.g., Amazon or a bookstore) if paid for in advance by the inmate, family member, or friend. A legitimate invoice on business stationary/company letterhead must be enclosed with the publication(s). Note: inmates who are in intake status or restricted housing (RHU) may not receive any publications including newspapers and magazines.

7. Q. I sent an inmate mail a while ago, but he/she never received it. What should I do?

A. The mailroom staff works diligently to process all incoming mail daily to approximately 26,000 inmates across the state. If the mail was questionable for any reason (gang-related, sexually explicit, drugs, guns, etc.) it may be delayed for investigation purposes. However, it could be returned to you, so please allow 2 weeks for it to be processed through the U.S. Postal Service.

Please be advised that effective immediately, the inmate messaging system will be permanently disabled for all inmates currently housed or subsequently placed in Restrictive Housing Units (RHU). This change is part of updated institutional security protocols and will remain in effect indefinitely.

Inmates in RHU will continue to have access to alternative communication options and will also be provided with the FM Radio app on their tablets. This app enables inmates to listen to FM radio and to hear RHU television programming through headphones, helping reduce institutional noise and improve access to approved content.

Key Information:

·      Inmates placed in RHU will no longer have access to the messaging system to send or receive electronic messages until they are safely able to return to general population.

·      Family members and friends will not be able to communicate with these inmates through the messaging platform.

·      Inmates in RHU will now be able to listen to FM radio and RHU television audio using the FM Radio app on their tablets.

·      Alternative communication options, such as approved phone calls and written correspondence via mail, remain available in accordance with agency policies.

·      This change is intended to maintain the safety and security of both inmates and staff within restrictive housing.

We understand the importance of maintaining communication during this time and encourage you to utilize the alternative methods permitted by the facility.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

GettingOut

e-messaging:

Electronic messaging service is available at SCDC institutions. To use the email service, you will need to visit www.gettingout.com and create an account. Once you have created and activated your account, you will be able to purchase email credits (stamps) to send emails. The GettingOut website will then let you compose and send your message. Inmates can use a secure kiosk installed in their housing unit to type and send return messages.

Benefits include:

• Mobile apps for both IOS (iPhone, iPad) and Android devices
• Faster delivery times than the Postal Service
• Is less expensive than buying a stamp
• Ease of use

Family and friends of inmates can setup an account at GettingOut to send electronic messages. All electronic messages may be reviewed by SCDC staff. Electronic messages containing inappropriate content are subject to being blocked and may not be delivered to the inmate.

To create and fund a GettingOut account, you will need:

• Valid email address
• Visa® or MasterCard® branded credit, debit, or prepaid debit card

Instructions for setting up an account on the GettingOut platform are available here. (PDF) 

Important Notice Regarding Inmate Financial Accounts

Beginning Nov. 3, 2025, contributions to inmate financial accounts will be restricted to individuals who are listed on the inmate’s approved visitor list.

This policy is being implemented to promote greater security, transparency and accountability within our correctional institutions. It aligns with practices adopted by several correctional systems across the country

Why This Policy Is Being Implemented?
This change is being made to address and prevent a variety of concerns, including:

• Nefarious activity and financial manipulation within correctional institutions.
• Money laundering schemes involving external parties.
• The use of inmate accounts for illicit debt payments.
• Unapproved third-party influence or coercion from individuals not authorized to interact with inmates.

Restricting deposits to approved visitors ensures that all financial transactions are traceable to individuals who have undergone basic screening and approval processes. It enhances safety and integrity within correctional institutions, reduces opportunities for criminal activity and helps protect both inmates and their families from exploitation.

How This Affects You

• If you wish to continue sending funds to an inmate after Oct. 31, you must be added to their approved visitor list.
• Individuals not on the approved visitor list will no longer be able to deposit money into inmate accounts after this date.
• All current and new visitors must follow the standard visitor application and approval process.

We strongly encourage families and friends who are not currently approved visitors but who regularly send funds to initiate the visitor application process as soon as possible to avoid disruption.

Additional Requirements for Money Orders

Effective Nov. 3, 2025, all money orders must meet the following requirements:

• The sender’s name on the money order must match exactly the name listed on the inmate’s approved visitor list.
• The sender must include their Visitor ID Number on the money order. The Visitor ID Number can be found on the upper right side of the visitation scheduling system.
• Money orders that do not meet both of these criteria may be returned to the sender and will not be processed.

This ensures that all funds are received from verified and authorized individuals, maintaining the integrity of inmate financial systems.
 

How to find your Visitor ID using the ViaPath/GTL App:

• Log onto the Viapath/GTL App
• Go to Account Settings
• Click on Manage Visitors
• Click on Manage Visitor Group
• Your name, birthdate and Visitor ID will be displayed.

How to find your Visitor ID using the ViaPath/GTL website:

• Log onto the website https://scdoc.gtlvisitme.com
• Visitor ID is on the top right corner next to Log Off.

Additional Information:

• The visitor application process typically includes identify verification, background checks and agency-specific approval steps.

This policy is consistent with efforts across the corrections industry to safeguard the integrity of inmate financial systems

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work to create a safer and more secure environment across all correctional institutions.

 

General Information About Sending Money:

The South Carolina Department of Corrections operates a cashless system for inmates.  This means that incarcerated individuals are not allowed to have U.S. currency.  Possession of money is a violation of Agency policy and disciplinary action is taken against any inmate found to have money.

NOTE: GTL is now ViaPath. You may see either or both names on their webpages as they rebrand.

ViaPath is the exclusive money transfer provider for SCDC. Friends and family of offenders can use ViaPath's convenient payment services to send money to their loved ones. (Any funds already transferred to an inmate's trust account will not be affected.)
 

Credit, Debit, Green Dot cards, etc.

Inmates are prohibited from possessing credit cards, debit cards, Green Dot cards or numbers, or any other type of similar financial instrument. Inmates found in possession of such items will be charged administratively and could face significant sanctions. Family members/friends should refrain from providing inmates with these items.
 

Cooper Trust Fund Accounts

However, every inmate in the Department of Corrections has a Cooper Trust Fund Account that allows him/her to make purchases in the institution. The back of the inmate's identification card has a magnetic strip that allows the ID card to function as a debit card to that inmate's Cooper Trust Fund Account.  When the inmate desires to purchase items in the institution, his ID card is "swiped" and the purchase is allowed if there are sufficient funds in the inmate's account to pay for the desired items.

 

Five Ways to Send Money

           
There are several fast, easy and convenient ways to send money to an inmate in South Carolina. GTL offers deposits online, over the phone, and at retail locations.
 

Online
To send money online with a credit or debit card, click here. It's the quickest and easiest way to get your loved ones the funds they need. When creating your account, choose South Carolina Dept. of Corrections as the facility.

Mobile App
Download our mobile app and send money wherever you happen to be! You can download the free app for Android devices here and for iPhone and iPad here.

Call Us
You can send money by phone using your credit or debit card. Call (888) 428-1845 and follow the prompts. To speak with a live agent 24/7, call customer service at (877) 650-4249.

Mail a Money Order
Family members and friends can make deposits into an inmate's Cooper Trust Fund account through GTL. Other than the cost to obtain a money order, there are no fees to deposit it, but money orders must be mailed and the deposit slip that must be sent with them must be read electronically and processed before the funds become available. When deposit slips are incomplete or not legible, the money order will be returned to the sender. 

• The sender’s name on the money order must match exactly the name listed on the inmate’s approved visitor list.
• The sender must include their Visitor ID Number on the money order. The Visitor ID Number can be found on the upper right side of the visitation scheduling system.
• Money orders that do not meet both of these criteria may be returned to the sender and will not be processed.
• All money orders must be sent with a deposit slip (PDF) to:

Walk-In (cash or debit card)
Cash deposits to ConnectNetwork are now available at 26,000 retail locations nationwide including Walmart, ACE, Kmart, Kroger, and more.

• To use this walk-in retail – pay in cash option:
• Step 1: Start online at ConnectNetwork.com or with our free ConnectNetwork mobile app.
• Step 2: Set up the cash payment by selecting “Walk-In Retail (Pay in Cash)”.
• Step 3: Then, to complete your transaction, bring cash and the PaySlip to your local store.

    ViaPath/GTL Financial Services
    10005 Technology Blvd West
    Suite 130
    Dallas TX 75220

Money orders sent to SCDC or an individual facility will be returned. All funds will be available to the offender within three business days of being received at the address above. All money orders must be made payable to GTL.
 

The money order deposit slip is available here. (PDF) (en Español) (PDF) 

Fees

Flyer

Printable flyer (PDF) for inmates (en Español) (PDF)

The State of South Carolina has selected Global Tel*Link Corporation as the Inmate Telephone System Services Provider for the South Carolina Department of Corrections.

GTL was selected over its competitors for its industry-leading inmate calling system and communications solutions to provide services to both inmates and families.

Rates

Calls to anywhere in the US will be billed at a single rate of 5.5 cents per minute. (effective February 1, 2019).
 

Phone call process

• Beginning Dec. 1, 2023, inmates will be allowed to call up to 20 telephone numbers.
• Each inmate will have a Personal Allowed Number, or PAN.
• The list is created automatically by the numbers called. Once an inmate calls 20 different telephone numbers, no new numbers will be accepted.
• The list will be revisited once a year.
• This does not affect the number of times an inmate can call each number.

Hours of operation

Beginning Oct. 27, 2025, the phone system for medium and close custody male inmates will operate from 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

After 11:30 p.m., these inmates will not be able to make calls. This does not apply to minimum-security and female inmates.

This change is being made to ensure families aren’t being troubled during the night, stop inappropriate activities on the phone system and allow everyone to rest.

If exceptions need to be made, inmates can make a request to the warden’s office.

Requirements

• Inmates admitted to SCDC will be issued a Personal Identification Number (PIN) within one week of their admission to enable them to place calls as allowed by the institutional schedule.
• Inmates are not allowed to call toll-free numbers.
• In order to accept collect calls:
  • Your phone account must be current with your local telephone company (not past due).
  • Your local telephone company must have a Billing and Collection (PDF) agreement
    with the South Carolina Department of Corrections' inmate phone service provider.
  • You must have a non-cordless phone with touch-tone service (no rotary dial).
• Calls to cell phones must be made using a prepaid account. Inmate calls to cells phones must be prepaid by the family member (please see the FAQ and information links below). To sign up for an AdvancePay® prepaid phone account, visit ConnectNetwork.com
• All calls from inmates will be subject to restrictions, recording, and monitoring.
• Called parties will have the option not to accept a call, block all future calls from an inmate, or block all future calls from the SC Department of Corrections.

Information Links

FAQs About Inmate Phones (PDF)
Establish AdvancePay® Prepaid Account with GTL using ConnectNetwork.com
Instructions for opening a ConnectNetwork account.
GTL AdvancePay® Prepay Information - English (PDF)
GTL AdvancePay® Prepay Information - Spanish (PDF)
GTL Refund Request Postcard (PDF)

Families may now request that a current SCDC inmate attend the viewing or funeral of a deceased relative or visit a sick relative in the hospital when the sick relative is near death. Inmates will ONLY be eligible to attend one of the following:

• Funeral
• Interment/graveside service
• Hosptial visit

Listed below are the only family members whose imminent death, viewing, or funeral qualifies for an inmate transport request and their relationship must be verified by SCDC on the inmate’s visitation list or list of relatives on file:

• The inmate’s parent or parent substitute identified on an inmate’s visitation list
• The inmate’s child
• The inmate’s brother or sister
• The inmate’s wife or husband
• The inmate’s grandparent
• The inmate’s grandchild

DO NOT CALL to request transport for an inmate until you have all of the information needed for SCDC to process the request. Once you have gathered the following information, please contact the institutional chaplain to submit your request:

• The inmate’s name and SCDC number, if you have it
• The name of the sick or deceased and that person’s relationship to the inmate
• The location and time of the hospital visit, viewing, or funeral
• Your name, phone number, and relationship to the inmate so that SCDC may contact you once the request is processed

The list of chaplains can be located here: SCDC_chaplains(Word)

Once approved the costs for the transport must be paid at least 24 hours prior to the transport by the inmate or the inmate’s family on their behalf. Payments CANNOT be made through GTL/ViaPath. Payment for an inmate’s transportation to either the hospital, viewing, or funeral service for an approved family member may be made here. Please note, this is a third party vendor, not SCDC, and any issues should be reported directly to the vendor.

Please note that this is ONLY a request. Not all inmates will be eligible for transport. The following are examples of some, but not all, situations that make an inmate ineligible for transport due to security risks:

• The inmate is currently housed in RHU, SSR, or death row
• The inmate has attempted, planned, or participated in any escape attempts
• The inmate has had any disciplinary convictions within the past year

Once the request is processed, an SCDC employee will notify you of our decision. Do not make a payment for an inmate to be transported until after you have been notified of their approval.

2ND Quarter 2026

Deliveries to Institutions will arrive May 4 – June 19, 2026 

PROGRAM DATES:

• Ordering begins: March 17, 2026
• Ordering ends: April 16, 2026
• Postmark date for mail orders: April 9, 2026
• Delivery to facility: Orders will arrive May 4, 2026 – June 19, 2026

WAYS TO ORDER:

• Online: SouthCarolinaPackages.com
• Phone: 1-800-546-6283
• Mail: Access Securepak (SC) 10880 Linpage Place St. Louis, MO 63132

INSTITUTION ADDRESSES: are listed here

Q: When does the program begin?
A: Orders will be accepted from March 17, 2026 – April 16, 2026. However, any order that is mailed in must be postmarked by April 9, 2026. Any orders received after the deadline will not be processed and will be mailed back to the sender.

Q: When will the order arrive at the institution?
A: All orders will be arriving at the institutions May 4, 2026 – June 19,2026. The institutional staff will be distributing the packages to the inmates shortly after the shipment arrives at the institution.

Q: What is the spending limit?
A: The spending limit is $250.00 for food/snacks only. Limit on the purchase of any single food item to a maximum of 12 each (excluding Ramen which is currently limited to (4) 24 pks). Hygiene items are limited to a total of 3. Limits are listed on the catalog, order form and website. 

Inmates in the Step Down Unit are restricted to a $50 spending limit. GPH patients are restricted to a limit of $100.

Q: What are your processing fee charges?
A: A $5.95 nonrefundable processing fee for all mail, phone and web orders.

Q: Will sales tax be applied to my order?
A: Access Securepak® will not include sales tax in the selling prices. Sales tax needs to be calculated for all items. The sales tax rate is based on the inmate’s facility location at the time of order entry, not at the time of receipt. Refer to the tax table for the correct tax rate.

Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: PAYMENT: We accept Credit/debit cards (VISA, MasterCard, or Discover logos), prepaid credit cards (that have a verifiable United States address), cashier’s check, institutional check, or money order. When paying by credit card be sure to include the card number, expiration date, card member’s name, CCV 3 digit number on the back of the card, card member’s phone number, and billing address. Inmates may purchase packages for themselves and/or SCDC incarcerated immediate family members, by completing SCDC Form 15-1, “Cooper Trust Fund Withdrawal” and attaching it to the completed Access Securepak® order form. Requests must be submitted to the Postal Director by September 30, 2025 to allow time for institutional check processing. We do not accept prepaid credit cards that lack the ability to assign a valid United
States address to the card holder.

Q: How do I place an order?
A: By Phone: 1-800-546-6283, by Internet: southcarolinapackages.com or by Mail: Access Securepak, 10880 Linpage Place, St. Louis, MO 63132.

Q: How do I check on an order?
A: Call 1-800-546-6283 or write to us at Customer Service, 10880 Linpage Place, St. Louis, MO 63132; or send us an email at: CustomerService@AccessCatalog.com.

Q: How do I report a discrepancy with the order (item missing, wrong product, etc)?
A: The inmate will be given an opportunity to check contents of package in the presence of an employee from the institution. If there is an issue with the order, the employee will verify it and send the paperwork to Access. All discrepancies must be reported from the institution. We cannot honor any discrepancies reported from family members or friends of the inmate.

Q: What happens if the person I am sending my order to changes custody level and is no longer allowed a package?
A: If you place an order for an inmate and their custody level changes or they are moved to a facility other than SCDC, while the order is being processed or shipped, the order will be returned to us. Once we receive the order back from the institution, we will issue a refund to the sender of the package. There are no restocking fees.

Q: What happens if the inmate is relocated to another SCDC institution?
A: If you place an order for an inmate and they are moved to another SCDC institution, the package will be forwarded to the new institution on the next available SCDC Canteen truck.

Q: When will clothing be available for purchase?
A: Clothing will only be offered during the 1st and 3rd Quarters.

• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
• United States Department of Health and Human Services
• Social Security Administration

• South Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense
• South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services
• South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
• South Carolina Department of Mental Health
• South Carolina Department of Social Services
• Salvation Army of North & South Carolina
• 2023 SCDC Family Resources Page Information