Why You Must Be on the Approved List to Send Money (and How to Get Added)

Since September 1, 2020, TDCJ only allows money deposits to an inmate's trust account from people on that inmate's approved Visitors List or Inmate Telephone List. If you're not on one of those lists, your deposit won't go through. TDCJ implemented this policy for security reasons, aiming to protect inmates and staff on the units.

One detail that trips families up: the Visitors List has a size limit. Each inmate can have a maximum of 10 names on their list, so there's no room to add everyone who wants to help. If the list is full, your loved one may need to remove someone before a new person can be added. That directly affects who's eligible to send money through the approved route.

Two paths make you eligible to deposit money under this rule: being on the inmate's approved Visitors List or being on the Inmate Telephone List. For visitation, you typically start by creating an online visitor profile, then adding the inmate using their TDCJ number or SID number so TDCJ can review the relationship. For phone calls, you register your phone number (online or by phone), which lets you receive calls and places you on the Inmate Telephone List.

1. Create your online visitor profile - This is where you enter your information so TDCJ can review and match you to the inmate.
2. Add the inmate to your profile - Use the inmate’s TDCJ number or SID number when you search.
3. Wait for TDCJ staff to confirm the relationship - Until staff approve it, your request stays pending and you are not fully cleared as a verified relation in the system.

1. Register your phone number - Register online or by phone before you try to receive calls.
2. Use the inmate’s TDCJ ID number during registration - The system requires the inmate’s TDCJ ID to connect your number to the right person.
3. Confirm you can receive calls once registration is complete - Being registered is what makes you eligible to appear on the inmate’s Inmate Telephone List.

Once TDCJ staff confirm a Visitor/Inmate relationship, it moves into the "Verified Inmate Relations" section of the online visitation system. From there, you may be able to schedule visits if scheduling is available for that inmate. If you don't see a scheduling option (for example, the system says "Call Unit"), contact the unit for next steps. This verification step is what matters for money deposits, since TDCJ only accepts deposits from people on the approved Visitors List or the Inmate Telephone List.

If Unsure Check Verify

• ✓ Call the inmate’s unit to confirm they are assigned there and have visitation privileges before you travel.
• ✓ Check whether your relationship shows under “Verified Inmate Relations” in the online visitation system.
• ✓ If scheduling is available in the system, confirm you can schedule. If the system indicates you should call the unit, do that for the final answer.

Not sure whether you're approved? Call the unit before you attempt a deposit. Don't guess. A quick confirmation up front saves you real time and frustration, especially compared to finding out after the fact that your deposit was rejected.