Ala. Code § 14-10-2
In addition to the cash, transportation and clothes to be furnished to state inmates, as provided in Section 14-10-1 upon their lawful discharge from custody, there shall be allowed and paid to each such inmate whose time in custody does not exceed five years the sum of $10 in cash and to each such inmate whose time in custody exceeds five years the sum of $10 plus an additional sum in cash at the rate of $2 per annum for each additional year or fractional part of a year of not less than six months of actual time in custody after conviction. Said additional allowances and payments may be made as cash allowances and payments are made under existing laws. The Department of Corrections shall determine those state inmates who require these payments and shall use the regulations and criteria established in accordance with Section 14-10-1 to make this determination. No payment shall be made to any state inmate whom the Department of Corrections has reasonably determined does not require such payment. Any state inmate may waive receipt of this payment. Each state inmate shall receive this payment only once per offense and multiple offenses being served consecutively or concurrently shall for this purpose be considered one offense.
Ala. Code § 14-10-2 (1975)