Sending Money to an Inmate at William P. Clemens Unit: Who Can Send, How, and What to Expect
Sending money to someone at the William P. Clemens Unit follows strict rules, and even small mistakes can delay your deposit or get it returned. Here's what you need to know: who can send money, the approved methods, and what might slow things down.
Not just anyone can deposit money into a TDCJ inmate's trust fund account. Since September 1, 2020, only people on the inmate's approved visitor list or Inmate Telephone List can make deposits. This is a security measure - and it's why your deposit might get rejected even if you have the correct name and TDCJ number. If you're not on one of those lists, the system won't accept your money.
Before you send anything: Confirm you're on the inmate's approved visitor list or Inmate Telephone List. Call the unit to double-check - details can change.
Accepted Methods
- ✓ Money orders or cashier’s checks
- ✓ ACH (monthly checking account debit)
- ✓ Access Corrections (Secure Deposits)
- ✓ ACE (America’s Cash Express)
- ✓ eCommDirect (via Texas.gov)
- ✓ JPay
- ✓ TouchPay Payment System
Do not send cash or personal checks: TDCJ does not accept them for trust fund deposits, and they will be returned to the sender.
Sending a money order or cashier's check? You'll need a deposit slip from the inmate. TDCJ requires it, and missing this step will delay your deposit. Ask your loved one to request the slip and send it to you before you mail anything.
Keep it clean: Don’t tuck letters, photos, or other personal items into a trust fund deposit. Send only the money order/cashier’s check with the required deposit slip.
Even after your deposit is accepted, the money might not be available right away. TDCJ places a 14-day hold on single deposits of $500.00 or more. The same hold applies to insurance checks, company checks, payroll checks, and estate checks. If your loved one needs funds quickly for commissary, smaller deposits can help you avoid that waiting period.
A common mistake: mailing deposits directly to the prison. Don't do this. TDCJ is clear - trust fund deposits should never go to the William P. Clemens Unit or any other facility. Use the official TDCJ trust fund channels and approved deposit methods instead.
- Pick an approved deposit method - Use one of the official TDCJ trust fund options (like a money order/cashier’s check, ACH, or an approved vendor).
- Confirm you’re eligible to send - Make sure you’re on the inmate’s approved visitor list or the Inmate Telephone List before you submit a deposit.
- Use the official trust fund channel (not the unit) - Don’t mail deposits to the William P. Clemens Unit; send them through the approved trust fund process.
- Call the unit to confirm details before you go - If you’re planning any in-person trip connected to visiting or deposit-related paperwork, call for final confirmation first because unit information can change.
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