How to Send Money to a TDCJ Inmate's Trust Fund (Methods, Rules, and Holds)

As of September 1, 2020, TDCJ only accepts trust fund deposits from people on the inmate's approved visitor list or Inmate Telephone List. Not on either list? Your deposit won't go through. If you're unsure whether you're approved, have the inmate confirm you've been added before you send anything. That saves you from dealing with a rejected payment.

Accepted Methods

• ✓ Money Orders or Cashier’s Checks
• ✓ Monthly Checking Account Debit (ACH)
• ✓ Access Corrections (ACE)
• ✓ eCommDirect (Texas.gov)
• ✓ JPay
• ✓ TouchPay Payment System

Stick to the deposit options TDCJ specifically lists for the Inmate Trust Fund. If a service isn't on that list, don't assume it will post to the inmate's account. Using an accepted method from the start helps you avoid delays and keeps your payment from getting routed the wrong way.

A single deposit of $500.00 or more triggers a 14-day hold. The money may show as received, but the inmate won't be able to use it for commissary or other purchases until the hold clears. If the funds are needed for something time-sensitive, plan ahead and factor in that two-week wait.

Certain check types also trigger the same 14-day hold, regardless of the amount. TDCJ specifically calls out insurance checks, company or payroll checks, estate checks, and similar disbursements. Even if your goal is to get money to the inmate quickly, these check types will be held before access is authorized.

Don't send trust fund deposits to the inmate's facility of assignment. And don't send personal mail or other items to the Inmate Trust Fund office. Mixing these up is one of the most common reasons deposits get delayed or mishandled. Keep money deposits and personal mail completely separate, each routed through the proper channel.

Trust fund staff can confirm whether a deposit was received. They won't, however, share any details about the inmate's account activity or balance with you, even if you're the one who sent the money. That information is only available to the inmate.

Quick Links Next Steps

• ✓ Money Orders or Cashier’s Checks: use the TDCJ Inmate Trust Fund instructions for acceptable payment and required information
• ✓ Monthly Checking Account Debit (ACH): follow the ACH setup instructions and forms required for authorization, changes, or stops
• ✓ Access Corrections (ACE): use the provider’s deposit instructions listed by TDCJ for inmate trust fund payments
• ✓ eCommDirect (Texas.gov): follow the Texas.gov eCommDirect instructions for deposits
• ✓ JPay: use the JPay deposit workflow for TDCJ trust fund payments
• ✓ TouchPay Payment System: follow TouchPay’s steps for TDCJ deposits

1. Confirm you are eligible to send money. You must be on the inmate’s approved visitor list or the inmate’s Inmate Telephone List.
2. Pick one accepted deposit method. Use only the TDCJ-listed options: Money Orders/Cashier’s Checks, ACH, Access Corrections (ACE), eCommDirect (Texas.gov), JPay, or TouchPay.
3. Plan around holds if you are sending a larger amount. A single deposit of $500.00 or more is held for 14 days before the inmate can access it.
4. Watch the check type. Insurance, company/payroll, estate checks, and similar disbursements are also held for 14 days before inmate access is authorized.
5. Do not mail deposits to the unit or send mail to the Trust Fund office. Do not send trust fund deposits to the inmate’s facility of assignment, and do not send personal mail or other items to the Inmate Trust Fund.
6. If something seems off, ask only what staff can answer. Trust fund staff can confirm receipt of a deposit, but they cannot provide account activity or balance information to anyone other than the inmate.