Who Can Send Money to an Inmate at McConnell Unit (and how to get on the approved list)

TDCJ's Inmate Trust Fund has an approved-sender rule that applies to McConnell Unit inmates. Since September 1, 2020, only people on the inmate's approved visitor list or Inmate Telephone List can deposit money. Not on one of those lists? Your deposit can be rejected, even if you have the correct name and TDCJ number.

To get on the approved visitor list, you'll use TDCJ's Online Visitation Scheduler. Create an account, then use the "Add Inmate" function to search by the inmate's TDCJ number or SID number.

One detail that trips people up: you have to create your own Online Visitation Scheduler account. TDCJ staff can't do it for you, so plan to handle the setup yourself.

1. Create your TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler account. You must set up your own account; staff cannot do it for you.
2. Add the inmate to your profile. Use “Add Inmate” and search using the inmate’s TDCJ number or SID number.
3. Use TDCJ public contact info if you need a general starting point. For broader TDCJ inquiries, you can call (936) 295-6371 or write to PO Box 99, Huntsville, Texas 77342-0099.

If you get stuck and need help, TDCJ has a general contact for inquiries: Texas Department of Criminal Justice, PO Box 99, Huntsville, Texas 77342-0099, (936) 295-6371.

TDCJ offers several ways to make Inmate Trust Fund deposits for McConnell Unit inmates. Your options include money orders or cashier's checks, ACH (a monthly checking account debit), and vendor systems like Access Corrections (Secure Deposits), ACE (America's Cash Express), eCommDirect (provided by Texas.gov), JPay, and the TouchPay Payment System. Whichever method you choose, follow the Inmate Trust Fund's current instructions for that specific option so the deposit gets credited correctly.

• ✓ Use one of the official Inmate Trust Fund deposit options (money order/cashier’s check, ACH, or an approved vendor system like Access Corrections, ACE, eCommDirect, JPay, or TouchPay).
• ✓ Do not mail or deliver trust fund deposits to the McConnell Unit.
• ✓ Make sure the sender is on the inmate’s approved visitor list or Inmate Telephone List before you try to deposit.

Don't send cash or personal checks. TDCJ won't accept them, and they'll be returned to you.

Timing matters for larger deposits. Single transactions of $500.00 or more, along with insurance, company, payroll, and estate checks (and similar disbursements), are held for 14 days before the inmate can access the funds.