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Understanding eCommDirect: How to Buy Commissary Items for Someone at Hodge Unit

Using eCommDirect to buy commissary items for someone at Hodge Unit? Two rules shape everything: quarterly spending caps and a one-purchase-per-day limit.

• 2 min read Verified from official sources

eCommDirect purchases for someone at Hodge Unit follow TDCJ's quarterly spending limits. Each calendar quarter (Jan to Mar, Apr to Jun, Jul to Sep, and Oct to Dec) has a set maximum dollar amount you can spend through the online commissary program. The October to December quarter carries a higher cap for the holiday season, so plan around it if you're trying to stretch your budget.

  • ✓ January–March: up to $70.00
  • ✓ April–June: up to $70.00
  • ✓ July–September: up to $70.00

Tip: Think in quarters, not weeks. If you're close to the cap, waiting for the next quarter (especially Oct to Dec with the higher holiday limit) can make your purchase go further.

eCommDirect allows only one purchase per inmate per day at Hodge Unit. If you place an order and realize you forgot something, you typically can't submit another order for that same person until the next day. The quarterly spending cap still applies, so the smart move is to build one solid order rather than trying to split things across multiple checkouts.

Planning tip: If you're trying to use the full quarterly allowance, space purchases out across different days and keep the quarter's total limit in mind. Remember, Oct to Dec has the higher holiday cap.

Before you spend money or make a trip connected to Hodge Unit, confirm the inmate is actually assigned there and has the privileges you're expecting. TDCJ updates visitation information daily, so details can change. A quick call to the unit before traveling can save you a wasted drive.

If you run into problems placing an eCommDirect order, don't assume you did something wrong. Some inmates aren't eligible to receive purchases through the program, and eligibility can depend on their current status. The fastest way to avoid repeated failed attempts is to check with Hodge Unit directly about what's allowed for the person you're trying to help.

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