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How to Send Money to an Inmate at Neal Unit: Who Can Send, How to Pay, and Where Not to Mail Deposits

• 2 min read • tdcj.texas.gov
How to Send Money to an Inmate at Neal Unit: Who Can Send, How to Pay, and Where Not to Mail Deposits

Not everyone can deposit money into an inmate's trust fund account at Neal Unit. Since September 1, 2020, TDCJ requires senders to be on either the inmate's approved visitor list or their Inmate Telephone List. If you're not on one of these lists, your deposit will be rejected. Check with your loved one before sending anything.

Don't mail cash or personal checks. TDCJ won't accept either for trust fund deposits - both get returned to the sender.

  • ✓ Money orders must be accompanied by a deposit slip.
  • ✓ Cashier’s checks must be accompanied by a deposit slip.
  • ✓ The deposit slip can be obtained from the inmate.

Sending a larger amount? Plan ahead. Any single deposit of $500.00 or more gets held for 14 days before the inmate can access it. If you're trying to help with immediate needs, timing matters.

Certain types of payments also trigger delays regardless of amount. Insurance checks, company checks, payroll checks, estate checks, and similar disbursements are held for 14 days before the inmate can use the funds.

How to Send Money to an Inmate at Neal Unit: Who Can Send, How to Pay, and Where Not to Mail Deposits

Note: Do not send trust fund deposits to the inmate’s facility of assignment (including the Neal Unit).

Note: Do not send inmate personal mail or other items to the Inmate Trust Fund.

Keep trust fund deposits and personal mail separate. Don't send inmate mail to PO Box 60 - mail to inmates must go to their unit of assignment.

  1. Ask the inmate for a deposit slip - TDCJ says deposit slips can be obtained from the inmate.
  2. Use the deposit slip with your payment - money orders and cashier’s checks have to be accompanied by that deposit slip to be accepted.
  3. Don’t substitute other paperwork - if the deposit slip isn’t included, the money order or cashier’s check won’t meet the stated requirements.

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