How to deposit funds, commissary, and payment options
At the James W. Allred Unit, only approved senders can deposit money into an inmate's trust fund account. You must be on the inmate's Approved Visitation List or registered on their telephone list through Securus. Cash and personal checks are not accepted and will be returned. When mailing a money order or cashier's check, include the inmate deposit slip (the inmate can provide this) so funds post without delay. For commissary-style items, eCommDirect is the unit's approved online package program. Purchases are limited to one per inmate per day, with quarterly spending caps: typically $70 for January to September quarters and $95 for the October to December holiday quarter.
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If your loved one is at the Allred Unit, eCommDirect is the program you need to know about. It's the official way approved friends and family can buy commissary items online for TDCJ inmates, and the rules are very specific.
Want to buy commissary-style items online for someone at the James W. Allred Unit? eCommDirect is the program you need. It's the only approved online package program for TDCJ inmates — no other services will work.
Sending money to someone at the James W. Allred Unit is straightforward once you know two things: who's allowed to deposit, and which payment types TDCJ actually accepts. Here are the rules and the cleanest way to get it done without delays.
Sending money to someone at the James W. Allred Unit boils down to two things: you need to be an approved sender, and you need to use an accepted payment method. Here's how to make sure your deposit actually goes through.
Only people on the inmate's Approved Visitation List or registered on the Inmate Telephone List can deposit funds. The inmate needs to add you to their visitation list, or you can register your phone with Securus for the approved phone list.
No. Cash and personal checks are not accepted for inmate trust fund deposits and will be returned to the sender. Use a money order or cashier’s check with the inmate’s deposit slip instead.
eCommDirect is the approved online package program for Allred Unit inmates. Only one purchase per inmate can go through per day, and quarterly spending limits apply: typically $70 for January to September quarters and $95 for the October to December holiday quarter.
Reaching someone at the James W. Allred Unit goes smoother when you start with two basics: confirm which TDCJ communication options are available for that person, and have their TDCJ number ready.
Before you can schedule an in-person visit at the James W. Allred Unit, you need to create your own TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler account. Here's how to get through the steps that trip people up most.
Scheduling your first visit at Allred Unit starts with the TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler. Once you know the steps, it's straightforward: create an account, complete your profile, request relationship approval, then book your visit.
