How to Send Money to an Inmate at Hamilton Unit: Options and New Sender Rules

Inmates at Hamilton Unit receive funds through the Inmate Trust Fund. You can send money via Money Order or Cashier's Check, or use one of several electronic and retail options: monthly checking account debit (ACH), Access Corrections (Secure Deposits), ACE (America's Cash Express), eCommDirect (through Texas.gov), JPay, or TouchPay. Which method works best depends on whether you want to mail something or handle it online, by phone, or at a retail location. Either way, the same sender-approval rule applies.

Since September 1, 2020, only people on the inmate's approved visitor list or approved phone list can deposit money. If you're not on one of those lists, your deposit can be blocked - even if you're using the right payment method.

Sending a Money Order or Cashier's Check? You'll need to include a deposit slip, and that slip has to come from the inmate. If you don't have one yet, ask your loved one to send it to you (or at least the information from it) so your deposit gets processed correctly.

Don't want to mail a money order? Electronic and retail options include ACH (monthly checking account debit), Access Corrections (Secure Deposits), ACE (America's Cash Express), eCommDirect (Texas.gov), JPay, and TouchPay. These are often faster and more convenient, but they still require you to be an approved sender. Some also have purchase limits.

• ✓ You must be an approved sender (on the inmate’s Approved Visitation List or Approved Phone List) to use commissary/purchase vendor options.
• ✓ Newly received inmates can’t receive eCommDirect purchases until the next calendar quarter after they enter.
• ✓ eCommDirect allows only one purchase per inmate per day.

1. Confirm you’re on an approved list - Ask the inmate to add you to their Approved Visitation List, or get on the Approved Phone List by registering your phone with Securus.
2. Get what you need from the inmate before mailing funds - If you’re sending a money order or cashier’s check, you’ll need the deposit slip that comes from the inmate.
3. Call the unit before you make a trip - Unit status and visitation-related details can change, so call for final confirmation before traveling.
4. Send only after you’re approved - Since September 1, 2020, deposits are limited to people on the approved visitor list or approved phone list; if you’re not approved yet, fix that first to avoid a failed deposit.