Sending money to someone at Ferguson Unit: who’s allowed and what to expect

TDCJ limits who can deposit money. You must be on the inmate's approved Visitors List or their Inmate Telephone List - a rule that's been in place since September 1, 2020. If you're not on one of those lists, your deposit will be rejected.

Skip the cash and personal checks. TDCJ won't accept either for trust fund deposits - they'll just send them back. If you're trying to get money there fast, using a rejected payment type backfires. You'll wait for the return, then have to resend it the right way.

Even accepted deposits don't always post immediately. Any single deposit of $500.00 or more gets held for 14 days before the inmate can access it. The same 14-day hold applies to certain checks - insurance, company, payroll, and estate checks all trigger this waiting period.

Need to track down a deposit? Trust Fund staff can confirm whether it was received. But they can't share account activity or balances with anyone except the inmate. If you need more than a yes-or-no on receipt, your loved one will have to check their own account.

1. Confirm you’re eligible to send - make sure you’re on the inmate’s approved Visitors List or Inmate Telephone List before you initiate a deposit.
2. Verify the current deposit instructions - TDCJ uses specific deposit channels and instructions; follow the current guidance exactly so your funds don’t get delayed or rejected.
3. Choose a payment type that won’t be rejected - avoid cash and personal checks so you’re not waiting on a return.
4. Plan around the 14-day hold rule - if you’re sending $500 or more (or certain check types like insurance, payroll, estate, or similar disbursements), expect the funds to be held 14 days before your loved one can use them.
5. Know what staff can confirm - if there’s a problem, ask whether the deposit was received, but don’t expect account balance or transaction details unless the inmate provides them.