Who Can Send Money to an Inmate at Fort Stockton Unit — And How to Do It
Sending money is one of the fastest ways to help someone get basics inside—but Fort Stockton Unit has a strict approved-sender rule. Here's who can deposit funds, how approval connects to visitation, and which deposit methods actually work.
Since September 1, 2020, you can only deposit money for someone at Fort Stockton Unit if you're on their approved Visitor List or Inmate Telephone List. Not on either list? The deposit won't go through. Make sure you're an approved sender before attempting to send funds.
The Visitor List matters for deposits because it's one of two lists that qualify you as an approved sender. There's a catch: each inmate can only have 10 names on their Visitors List. If it's already full, they'll need to remove someone before you can be added.
To connect through the TDCJ online visitation portal, you'll need the inmate's TDCJ or SID number - exactly 8 digits. Don't have it? Use the TDCJ Offender Search to look it up before submitting anything.
When you request to add an inmate through the online portal, you're sending a "Relationship Request." That request goes to the inmate's unit, where TDCJ staff verify the relationship. Until they do, the request stays pending and you can't schedule visits. Build in time for this verification step - don't assume you're approved until you get confirmation.
Accepted Deposit Methods
- ✓ Money Orders or Cashier’s Checks
- ✓ ACH (monthly checking account debit)
- ✓ Access Corrections (ACE)
- ✓ eCommDirect (Texas.gov)
- ✓ JPay
- ✓ TouchPay
eCommDirect fees depend on what you're doing. Purchases cost $3.75. Deposits cost $2.50 plus 2.25% of the deposit amount. Doing both at once? That's $3.75 plus 2.25% of the deposit.
One thing to know: eCommDirect only allows one purchase per inmate per day. Try to place multiple purchases the same day and the system will block you.
Planning tip: Newly received inmates can't use eCommDirect until the next calendar quarter after they arrive. You may need a different deposit method at first.
- Confirm you’re eligible to send money - deposits are only allowed from people on the inmate’s approved Visitor List or Inmate Telephone List.
- Check whether there’s room on the Visitor List - each inmate can have up to 10 names, so a full list can slow things down.
- Get the correct 8-digit TDCJ/SID number - you’ll need it to add the inmate in the TDCJ online visitation portal; the Offender Search is used to find it if you don’t have it.
- Submit your Relationship Request and wait for verification - the request is sent to the inmate’s unit, where TDCJ staff verify the visitor/inmate relationship before visits can be scheduled (and before you assume you’re approved).
- ✓ Pick a deposit method from the accepted options (money order/cashier’s check, ACH, Access Corrections/ACE, eCommDirect, JPay, or TouchPay) based on what’s easiest for you.
- ✓ If you’re using eCommDirect, budget for the fees: $3.75 for a purchase, or $2.50 plus 2.25% for a deposit (or $3.75 plus 2.25% if you do both together).
- ✓ Don’t plan on multiple eCommDirect purchases in one day - only one purchase per inmate is allowed per day.
- ✓ If your loved one is newly received, remember eCommDirect purchases can’t be made until the next calendar quarter; choose another deposit option in the meantime.
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