How to Put Money and Buy Commissary for Someone at Pam Lychner State Jail
Getting money onto someone's account and ordering commissary can feel confusing at first, especially with the approved-sender rules. Here's what you need to know about deposit options at Pam Lychner State Jail, how eCommDirect ordering works, spending limits, and delivery timing.
You can add funds to someone's Inmate Trust Fund at Pam Lychner State Jail through paper deposits or electronic options. For paper, money orders and cashier's checks are accepted. On the electronic side, your options are Monthly Checking Account Debit (ACH) using the ACH authorization process, Access Corrections Secure Deposits (ACE, America's Cash Express), eCommDirect (provided by Texas.gov), and the JPay TouchPay payment system.
Approved senders only: You must be an approved sender to deposit money or place eCommDirect orders. You qualify by being on the inmate's Approved Visitation List, or by registering your phone with Securus so you're placed on the Approved Phone List.
No cash or personal checks. Both will be returned. Also, single-transaction deposits of $500 or more are held before the inmate can use them.
Since September 1, 2020, only approved senders can deposit money. That means you need to be on the inmate's approved visitor list or on the Inmate Telephone List (approved phone list). If you're not on either list, your deposit may not be accepted.
- Get added to the Approved Visitation List: Ask the inmate to add you to their Approved Visitation List.
- Or register your phone with Securus: Register your phone through Securus so you can be placed on the Approved Phone List.
Do not send cash or a personal check as a trust fund deposit. These are not accepted, and they will be returned to the sender.
Heads up about holds: Single-transaction deposits of $500.00 or more are held for 14 days before the inmate can access the funds. The same 14-day hold applies to insurance, company, payroll, and estate checks (and similar disbursements).
eCommDirect purchases have quarterly spending caps. For January through March, April through June, and July through September, the limit is up to $70 per quarter. October through December gets a bump to $95 for holiday spending.
If the person you're helping was recently received, expect a delay before you can use eCommDirect. Newly received inmates aren't eligible for eCommDirect purchases until the next calendar quarter after they arrive.
Once you place an order, eCommDirect merchandise is typically delivered within five business days after TDCJ receives the purchase transaction details from Texas.gov. Unit security or staffing issues can push that timeline back, so a short delay doesn't always mean something went wrong with your order.
- ✓ Only one eCommDirect purchase per inmate may be completed per day.
Find an Inmate at Pam Lychner State Jail
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
