How to Put Money on Someone's Account at Pam Lychner State Jail
Putting money on someone's trust fund account is straightforward once you know two things: you need to be an approved sender, and you have to use an accepted deposit method.
At Pam Lychner State Jail (TDCJ), being family or a friend isn't enough to send money. Since September 1, 2020, only people on the inmate's Approved Visitation List or Inmate Telephone (Approved Phone) List can deposit funds into a trust fund account.
- Get on one approved list - Ask the inmate to add you to their Approved Visitation List, or get placed on the Approved Phone List.
- Register your phone if you’re using the phone list - To be placed on the Approved Phone List, you’ll need to register through Securus.
- Use the correct inmate number - When a system asks for the inmate’s TDCJ or SID number, it must be 8 digits long.
TDCJ's Inmate Trust Fund accepts money orders and cashier's checks - solid options if you prefer paper payments. You can also set up a monthly checking account debit (ACH) through their authorization process, which works well for consistent, recurring deposits.
- ✓ Access Corrections (ACE) / Secure Deposits
- ✓ eCommDirect (Texas.gov)
- ✓ JPay TouchPay Payment System
- ✓ Approved-sender reminder: some services may require you to be on the inmate’s Approved Visitation List or Approved Phone List before you can complete a transaction
Don't send cash or personal checks. They aren't accepted and will be returned - turning a quick deposit into a frustrating delay.
Hold warning: Single-transaction deposits of $500 or more - and certain checks like payroll, insurance, company, or estate checks - are held for 14 days before the inmate can access the funds.
Practical-tips
- ✓ Confirm you’re on the inmate’s Approved Visitation List or the Inmate Telephone (Approved Phone) List before you try to deposit
- ✓ If you’re using the Approved Phone List route, register your phone with Securus
- ✓ Have the inmate’s TDCJ/SID number ready, and make sure it’s 8 digits
- ✓ Pick an accepted deposit method: money order, cashier’s check, or monthly checking account debit (ACH)
- ✓ If you’re depositing through a third-party option, use one of the listed services (Access Corrections/ACE, eCommDirect through Texas.gov, or JPay TouchPay)
Avoid delays: Cash and personal checks get returned. There's also a 14-day hold on deposits of $500+ and certain check types (payroll, insurance, company, estate). If timing matters, keep each deposit under $500 or use an approved electronic option.
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