Who Can Send Money to an Inmate at Jordan Unit (And Why Your Deposit or eCommDirect Package Might Be Refused)

Since September 1, 2020, TDCJ limits who can send money to an inmate. You must be on the person's approved visitor list or Inmate Telephone List. If you're not on either list, your deposit can be refused. TDCJ implemented this policy for safety and security reasons.

Don't send cash or personal checks for trust fund deposits - TDCJ won't accept them, and they'll be returned. Stick to approved methods: money orders, cashier's checks, or electronic deposit options authorized for TDCJ trust fund deposits.

Being approved to send money doesn't guarantee eCommDirect orders will go through. Eligibility depends on custody level and housing status. eCommDirect purchases aren't allowed for inmates in General Population and State Jail Levels 4 and 5, Administrative Segregation levels 2, 3, and transition, or Death Row levels 2 and 3. Certain medical conditions can also disqualify someone.

Timing matters - especially after a transfer. New arrivals aren't eligible for eCommDirect until the next calendar quarter after their intake. So even if everything else checks out, orders placed too soon will get blocked.

1. Confirm the inmate’s current custody/housing status - eCommDirect isn’t available for General Population and State Jail Levels 4 and 5, Administrative Segregation levels 2, 3, and transition, or Death Row levels 2 and 3, and some medical conditions can also make someone ineligible.
2. Check whether they’re “newly received” - if they entered recently, eCommDirect won’t work until the next calendar quarter after entry.
3. Verify assignment and privileges before you act - before you make a trip or try again after a failed purchase, confirm the inmate is assigned to the unit and has visitation privileges so you’re not working off outdated information.

If Refused Next Steps

• ✓ Confirm you’re on the inmate’s approved visitor list or the Inmate Telephone List (required to deposit money after Sept. 1, 2020).
• ✓ Make sure you didn’t send cash or a personal check (those aren’t accepted and are returned).
• ✓ If your deposit was $500+ in a single transaction, expect a 14-day hold before the inmate can use it.
• ✓ If you used an insurance, company, payroll, estate, or similar check, expect a 14-day hold before access is authorized.
• ✓ If an eCommDirect order failed and the inmate is newly received, wait until the next calendar quarter after entry to try again.

Still doesn't add up? Verify the inmate's current status before trying again. TDCJ updates visitation information once daily on weekdays and multiple times per day on visitation days - things can change fast. A quick call to the unit to confirm assignment and visitation privileges can help you figure out whether it's an eligibility issue, a timing problem, or a recent change.