Do mail money and property transfer with inmates

When an inmate is transferred, not everything follows them smoothly. Each category is handled differently:

Personal property:

• Inmates are allowed to pack and transfer their belongings
• However, items are often lost, delayed, or limited during the move
• Extra commissary items and clothing do not always make it to the new facility

Mail:

• Mail that is already in transit is usually NOT forwarded
• It is often returned to the sender
• You should start using the new facility address immediately

Commissary funds:

• If the transfer is within the same system (state to state within the same department, or federal within the Federal Bureau of Prisons):
  • Funds usually transfer with the inmate
• If moving between different systems (county to state, or different counties):
  • Funds may not transfer automatically
  • A refund or re-deposit process may be required

Phone accounts:

• Phone services do not transfer
• You will likely need to set up a new account with the provider at the new facility

Bottom line:
Transfers are disruptive. Money within the same system usually follows, but mail and property often do not, and communication accounts usually need to be set up again.