Claiming Institutional Funds

If an individual has a balance in their institutional fund at the time of release, they can collect up to $200 in cash immediately upon discharge from the Rikers Island Central Cashier Window. Any remaining funds will be mailed by check to the address provided by the individual at the time of discharge.

If you do not claim your funds upon discharge, you can visit a Department Cashier Window for up to 120 days to collect up to $200 in cash of any unclaimed funds. Any remaining funds will be mailed via check to the address you provide at the time of collection, or you can schedule a day to collect the check from a designated Cashier Window.

If more than 120 days have passed since your release, you cannot collect your remaining funds in cash. You must request a check for remaining funds by emailing CommissaryBalance@doc.nyc.gov with your name and date of birth, or NYSID. Once your request has been processed, you will receive a notification that a check for your remaining funds is available for pickup at a designated Cashier's Window. Please allow 3 - 5 business days for processing. Checks must be claimed at the Cashier's Window within 24 hours of the funds being made available, so please plan accordingly. You will be notified via email when the check is ready to be picked up. After the 24-hour period has elapsed, you will need to submit a new request to have the check reissued.

If you are unable to claim your funds or provide a mailing address in person, you can mail a notarized letter (with an additional self-addressed, stamped envelope) stating you would like any unclaimed funds mailed to you. The letter should contain your full legal name, book & case number or NYSID, and current mailing address. Send your letter to the address below:

NYC Department of Correction
Rikers Island Central Cashier Office
1 East 1st St
East Elmhurst, NY 11370

Once received and processed, the Department will mail a check with any unclaimed funds, if applicable. Please allow 5 business days for processing and handling.

Relatives of formerly incarcerated individuals who are deceased looking to obtain unclaimed funds must contact the New York State Surrogate's Court and file the appropriate application. Once approved by the court, the completed application will be forwarded to the Department. After receiving an approval, the closest relative who completed the application may pick up any unclaimed funds. The individual who picks up unclaimed funds should also bring a completed copy of the application. For questions, please call the Office of Constituent & Grievance Services: 718-546-1500 or email Constituentservices@doc.nyc.gov.

Please note, if you were released from a New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) facility, you must inquire with DOCCS about any remaining funds. You may call 518-457-8126 or dial 311 for assistance.

The Rikers Island Central Cashier Window is open 24 hours everyday:

Rikers Island Central Cashier (RICC)
1 East 1st St
East Elmhurst, NY 11370

The below cashier windows are open Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM:

Manhattan Courthouse
100 Centre Street
New York, NY 10013

Brooklyn Courthouse
360 Adams Street
Brooklyn, New York 11201

Requester Information

Submit this form to inquire about your institutional fund balance after being discharged from Department custody. After filling out the below fields and submitting the form, please allow in 3 - 5 business days for a response. The response will indicate the amount of any unclaimed institutional funds associated with the information provided, or that no funds exist.