How to deposit funds, commissary, and payment options
Depositing money for someone at Estes Unit comes with restrictions. As of Sept 1, 2020, only senders on the inmate's Approved Visitor list or the inmate telephone list can add funds. Unauthorized senders will be blocked. To mail a deposit, send a money order or cashier's check along with a deposit slip (the inmate provides this) to Inmate Trust Fund, PO Box 60, Huntsville. Follow the centralized deposit instructions exactly. Be aware of timing: single deposits of $500 or more, plus certain checks or disbursements, are held for 14 days before the inmate can use the funds. Trust Fund staff can confirm receipt but won't share balances or transaction details with anyone except the inmate. ACH automatic debit typically debits around the 5th and credits around the 10th. Enrollment requires a voided check and approved-list status.
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
Before sending money to someone at the Estes Unit, confirm you're authorized to make deposits. Then pick the method that works for your timeline: mail-in money orders and cashier's checks, or the monthly ACH checking-account debit program. Here's what you need to know about each option—including timing rules that can delay when funds become available.
Sending money to someone at the Estes Unit comes down to two things: who's allowed to deposit, and which method fits your timeline. Here are the options for TDCJ Inmate Trust Fund deposits, plus the most common reasons deposits get delayed.
Only people on the inmate’s Approved Visitor list or the inmate telephone list are allowed to deposit money for that inmate.
Mail a money order or cashier’s check with a deposit slip (obtained from the inmate) to Inmate Trust Fund, PO Box 60, Huntsville. Do not send cash or personal checks, and follow the centralized deposit instructions exactly.
Single trust fund deposits of $500 or more, along with certain checks or disbursements, are held for 14 days before the inmate can access the money. With ACH automatic debit, debits happen on or around the 5th and the inmate gets credited on or around the 10th after processing. Enrollment requires a voided check, and you must be on the approved list.
A little prep saves you a long, frustrating drive. Run through this checklist before heading to the Estes Unit — it'll keep you from getting turned away at the gate.
A little prep can save you a wasted trip. Run through this quick checklist before heading to Estes Unit so you don't get turned away at the gate.
Planning a visit to the Estes Unit? Two things matter most: the weekend visiting window and the two-hour visit length.
