How to Send Money to Someone at Johnston Unit (and who is allowed to send it)

Since September 1, 2020, TDCJ only accepts trust fund deposits from people on the inmate's approved visitor list or their Inmate Telephone List. Being a friend of the family isn't enough - you need to be listed. Not sure if you're approved? Don't guess. Confirm the inmate is assigned to the Johnston Unit and has visitation privileges, then call the unit before sending anything. Takes five minutes and saves a lot of headaches.

• ✓ Confirm the inmate is assigned to the Johnston Unit.
• ✓ Confirm the inmate has visitation privileges.
• ✓ Call the unit for final confirmation before you attempt to deposit funds.

For mailed deposits, TDCJ accepts money orders and cashier's checks only. Cash and personal checks get returned. Here's what trips people up: you need to include a deposit slip with your money order or cashier's check, and that slip has to come from the inmate. Skip it, and your deposit will likely be delayed or kicked back. The full mailing process is laid out below.

Sending $500.00 or more? Plan ahead. Any single deposit of $500.00 or more gets held for 14 days before the inmate can access it. The same hold applies to insurance checks, company checks, payroll checks, and estate checks. If your loved one needs commissary money soon, this timing matters. The deposit can arrive and still sit untouchable until the hold clears.

1. Get a deposit slip from the inmate - Money orders and cashier’s checks must be accompanied by a deposit slip, and the inmate can obtain that slip.
2. Buy a money order or cashier’s check (not cash or a personal check) - Cash and personal checks aren’t accepted for trust fund deposits and will be returned.
3. Include the deposit slip with your payment - Put the deposit slip in with the money order or cashier’s check so it can be credited properly.
4. Mail it to the Inmate Trust Fund (not the Johnston Unit) - Trust fund deposits should not be sent to the inmate’s facility of assignment.
5. Keep personal mail and items separate - Personal letters and other items should not go to the Inmate Trust Fund.

Once funds clear, your loved one can spend them at commissary. What's available depends on what that specific location stocks - not every item on TDCJ's commissary price list is sold everywhere. Check the current list and keep expectations flexible.