Help & Support

The correctional system, with all of its rules and processes, can be challenging to understand without assistance. This page is intended to bridge that gap by providing information, connection to services and assistance in finding visiting help and support resources.

Appeal Process

A visitor may appeal an initial visit application, denial visit privilege restrictions/suspensions/terminations, and/or Visit Multidisciplinary Team decisions in writing to the Headquarters Correctional Program Administrator. A written decision will be mailed through the USPS when email is not an option for notification to the visitor.

See DOC 450.300 Visits for Incarcerated Individuals for more information.

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Lodging and Transportation Assistance Program (LTAP)

The Washington State Department of Corrections values the importance of family connections. Strong relationships between incarcerated individuals and their loved ones lowers the risk of intergenerational incarceration and supports successful reentry, ultimately helping to create safer communities.

Visiting a loved one can be costly, especially for families who have a significant distance to travel. To help ease this burden, the agency established the Lodging and Transportation Assistance Program (LTAP), which provides an allowance for eligible visitors. The qualification criteria are outlined below. If you need assistance, contact the LTAP team.

Qualification Criteria

  • To qualify for this program:
    • Obtain a vendor number through the Office of Financial Management (OFM) Vendor Payee Registration process prior to requesting an allowance.
    • The visitor’s contact information (i.e. address, email address, phone number) must be correct in both the Department’s visit system and in the OFM Vendor/Payee System to receive allowance. To update your address with the Department, email the Statewide Visit Unit.
    • The visitor must travel 120 miles or more from the home address on file to the facility.
    • Visitor must be at least 18 years old and on the approved visit list.
    • Visitor must be shown in the visit system as having visited on the date listed on the request.
    • Visitor may not have been identified as involved in introduction of contraband or in behavior that results in the suspension or termination of visit privileges.
  • Qualifying applicants may request one $100 allowance per Incarcerated Individual each month.
  • After the visit, qualifying visitors may submit a Lodging and Transportation Assistance Request.

Important Program Information

  • Visitor will be denied future use of funding assistance if misuse or false/misleading information is provided. 
  • If an eligible visitor is confirmed to have arrived at a facility and was turned away due to a full visit room or a cancellation due to any unforeseen circumstances or emergency, they may still request a visiting allowance.
  • This program is applicable to visiting, Extended Family Visits (EFV) and special events only (when special event participation is approved in advance). The program may not be used for transporting a newly released incarcerated individual.
  • If LTAP payments in a calendar year are over $600, an IRS 1099-MISC Miscellaneous Income form will be sent to you and reported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Please consult your tax advisor with questions.
  • Direct deposit is not available for international visitors.

How to Apply

For questions or assistance, contact the Lodging and Transportation Assistance Program at DOCHQLAP@doc1.wa.gov

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