How to Send Money to an Inmate at Hobby Unit: Approved Methods, Who Can Send, and Fees
Sending money to someone at the Hobby Unit is straightforward once you know two key rules: you must be an approved sender, and cash or personal checks won't be accepted—they'll be returned.
Sending money to someone at the Hobby Unit is straightforward once you know the two rules that trip people up most. Only approved senders can make deposits. And cash or personal checks? They're not accepted - mail them anyway and they'll come right back to you.
Since September 1, 2020, TDCJ only accepts deposits from people already connected to the inmate through an approved list. You can send money if you're on the inmate's Approved Visitation (visitor) list or on the Inmate Telephone (approved phone) list. Not sure where you stand? Focus on the approved sender requirement first. Even a valid deposit method can be rejected if you're not on one of those lists. For most families, the simplest path is having the inmate add you to their Approved Visitation List. Alternatively, you can register your phone through Securus to get placed on the Approved Phone List.
TDCJ offers several ways to fund an inmate trust account: money orders or cashier's checks, Monthly Checking Account Debit (ACH), and online/vendor options like eCommDirect (through Texas.gov), Access Corrections Secure Deposits, ACE – America's Cash Express, JPay, and TouchPay. What you can't use matters just as much. Cash and personal checks are not accepted for inmate deposits - they'll be returned to you. If you're mailing funds, stick to a money order or cashier's check. Skip the personal check from your checkbook.
- ✓ Ask the inmate to add you to their Approved Visitation (visitor) list.
- ✓ Or register your phone with Securus so you’re placed on the Approved Phone List.
- ✓ You only need to be on one of the two lists to be considered an approved sender.
Plan ahead for larger deposits. Any single transaction of $500.00 or more gets held for 14 days before the inmate can access those funds.
Some deposits trigger a hold even under the $500 threshold. Insurance checks, company checks, payroll checks, estate checks, and similar disbursements are all held for 14 days before the inmate can access them.
Heads up: Money on a 14-day hold won't be available for commissary or other spending until the hold clears. If your loved one needs funds right away, avoid single deposits of $500+ and steer clear of check types that trigger the hold.
Fees vary depending on what you're doing. For an eCommDirect purchase, the fee is $3.75. For a deposit, it's $2.50 plus 2.25% of the deposit amount. Combining a deposit and purchase in one transaction? The fee becomes $3.75 plus 2.25% of the deposit. That combo option can be convenient - just know the pricing upfront so checkout doesn't surprise you.
- ✓ Mail: Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Commissary and Trust Fund Department, PO Box 629, Huntsville, TX 77342-0629
- ✓ Phone (Inmate Trust Fund/Administrative): (936) 438-8990
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