Sending money to someone at Polunsky Unit: approved methods and important sender rules

To send money to someone at the TDCJ Polunsky Unit, you'll need to use one of the Inmate Trust Fund's approved deposit options. TDCJ accepts money orders and cashier's checks, plus several electronic channels for online payments. Each method has its own steps and sometimes its own forms. Check the TDCJ Inmate Trust Fund page for specific instructions on whichever option you choose - following them closely helps avoid delays or rejected deposits.

• ✓ Money orders or cashier’s checks - use the TDCJ Inmate Trust Fund instructions for how to prepare and send these correctly.
• ✓ ACH (monthly checking account debit) - follow the TDCJ instructions and required authorization steps listed for the ACH option.
• ✓ Access Corrections (ACE) - use the deposit instructions listed on the TDCJ Inmate Trust Fund page for this vendor channel.
• ✓ eCommDirect via Texas.gov - follow the TDCJ-provided instructions for using eCommDirect.
• ✓ JPay - use the TDCJ instructions for making a JPay deposit to the Inmate Trust Fund.
• ✓ TouchPay - follow the TouchPay deposit instructions provided through TDCJ.

Here's the rule that catches most people off guard: since September 1, 2020, TDCJ only accepts deposits from senders who appear on the inmate's approved visitor list or Inmate Telephone List. If you're not on one of those lists, your deposit will be refused - no matter how you send it. So if you're a friend or family member who hasn't been added yet, get on one of those lists first. The inmate needs to add you before you can send anything. Confirm you're listed before spending time or money on a deposit attempt.

Skip the cash and personal checks - TDCJ won't accept either for inmate trust fund deposits. Both get returned to sender. Stick with a money order, cashier's check, or one of the approved electronic deposit options.

Practical Tips

• ✓ Confirm you’re eligible to send - you must be on the inmate’s approved visitor list or on the Inmate Telephone List before you try to deposit.
• ✓ Pick one approved channel and follow its exact directions - use the vendor instructions provided on the TDCJ Inmate Trust Fund page for the method you choose.
• ✓ Stick with approved, trackable options - money orders/cashier’s checks and the listed vendor/electronic channels are the right routes; don’t attempt cash or a personal check.
• ✓ When you need the most current process details, check the unit’s guidance and the TDCJ Inmate Trust Fund instructions before you send.