What Happens to an Inmate's Money When They're Released from Lancaster County Prison
When your loved one has money left in their Lancaster County Prison account, the big question is how they'll get it back. Here's how the prison handles remaining balances at release versus transfer — and what happens if they want funds sent out while still incarcerated.
Remaining account funds don't vanish when someone leaves Lancaster County Prison. Instead, they're issued a debit card loaded with whatever balance remains. No cash - just a card they can use right away.
Transfers work differently. If someone moves from Lancaster County Prison to another facility, the prison sends a check for the remaining balance directly to the receiving institution. The money follows them through the system, but it goes institution-to-institution - not into their hands on the way out.
Request Outside Disbursement
- ✓ Recipient’s name and address
- ✓ Reason for the request
- ✓ Self-addressed, pre-posted envelope
Note: Lancaster County Prison’s business office will obtain the incarcerated individual’s signature verifying the request before any money is disbursed outside the institution.
Account setup happens immediately. When someone is committed to Lancaster County Prison, an account is created using a contracted system that provides real-time updates. Any money found on them at intake goes straight into that account.
Formal oversight backs every balance. The Director of Administration manages inmate financial accounts, while the Lancaster County Controller oversees related funds and conducts annual audits. If you ever have questions about a balance or disbursement, know there's a defined structure and audit process in place.
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