Ala. Code § 14-8-37

The employer of an inmate involved in work release pursuant to this article shall send the inmate’s wages directly to the county or its designated agent. Of each inmate’s earnings, 25 percent of his gross wages shall be applied to the costs incident to the inmate’s confinement. If the cost of confinement of a state inmate as agreed upon in the maintenance contract authorized in Section 14-8-31 exceeds 25 percent of his gross wages, the board shall pay the difference to the county. The remainder of the inmate’s wages shall be credited to his account with the county and shall be paid out as the inmate requests to furnish his clothing, medical and dental care, spending money, savings or dependent support.