Why half your deposit goes to fees at Berks County Jail (what that means for the inmate)

Here's the policy: fifty percent (50%) of all incoming deposits will be applied toward the inmate's processing fee or past cost recovery owed. Every time you add money, half gets automatically pulled to pay down what's owed. The rest goes toward things like commissary.

That's not the only cut. The deposit method itself can reduce what reaches the account. The jail gives this example: a $40 credit card deposit results in $36 being applied to the inmate's account. So think of it in two layers. First, the transaction itself may take a cut (like the $40 → $36 example). Then the jail applies its 50% rule to whatever arrives. If you're trying to cover basic needs, both layers matter.

Timing matters - especially if your loved one needs to place a commissary order soon. At Berks County Jail, funds post on the next business day, and holidays don't count as business days. Deposit on a weekend or right before a holiday? Build in extra time so they aren't stuck waiting.

Berks County Jail accepts deposits through ConnectNetwork using Site ID #61. You can deposit online or by telephone. Setting things up for the first time? Double-check that Site ID. Using the wrong one can mean delays while you sort it out.

Prefer to mail funds? Berks County Jail accepts government checks, payroll checks (with the pay stub included), and money orders sent directly to the inmate accounts department. Follow the jail's requirements exactly. Missing details can mean your payment won't be accepted.

• ✓ Inmate’s name
• ✓ Inmate number
• ✓ Purchaser’s name
• ✓ Purchaser’s address

Commissary runs directly off the inmate's account balance. At Berks County Jail, inmates can order commissary weekly using their tablet or a kiosk. The cost is debited from their inmate account.

There's a hard cap: weekly commissary orders may not exceed a total value of $100.00. Even if the account has more money, they can't place an order over that limit for the week.

Tips for Families

• ✓ Plan deposits around the posting delay - funds post the next business day (holidays excluded), so don’t assume same-day access.
• ✓ Keep the 50% rule in mind - half of all incoming deposits will be applied toward the inmate’s processing fee or past cost recovery owed, so they may only be able to use a portion of what you send.
• ✓ If you’re trying to cover a specific need by a specific day, deposit early enough that the money is posted before they need it.

• ✓ If you’re using ConnectNetwork, make sure you’re selecting the correct facility using Site ID #61.
• ✓ If you mail a payroll check, include the pay stub.
• ✓ If you mail a money order, include the inmate’s name and inmate number, plus the purchaser’s name and address, or it won’t be accepted.