Paying for inmate calls can be done through several methods, depending on the facility’s policies and the phone service provider they use.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to pay for inmate calls…

Methods of Paying for Inmate Calls

• Prepaid Accounts
  • Friends and Family Accounts –  You can set up a prepaid account with the phone service provider used by the correctional facility. Money is added to the account, which the inmate can use to make calls.
  • Inmate Phone Accounts –  Some facilities allow you to deposit funds directly into an inmate’s phone account. This can often be done online, over the phone, or via mail.
• Collect Calls – Collect calls are billed to the recipient. To accept a collect call, you must agree to pay the charges, which will appear on your phone bill. This option is less common now due to the high costs associated with it.
• Debit Calling  – Inmates can use money from their commissary account to pay for phone calls. Funds can be deposited into the inmate’s commissary account by friends and family, which the inmate can then use for calls.
• Phone Cards – Some facilities sell prepaid phone cards to inmates, which can be purchased through the commissary. These cards allow inmates to make calls up to the value loaded on the card.

Steps to Pay for Inmate Calls

• Identify the Phone Service Provider – Find out which company provides phone services for the facility where the inmate is housed. Common providers include Global Tel Link (GTL), Securus Technologies, ICSolutions, and Telmate.
• Set Up an Account
  • Online –  Visit the service provider’s website and set up an account. This usually involves providing your personal information and the inmate’s details.
  • Phone –  Call the customer service number of the phone service provider to set up an account.
  • Mail –  Some providers allow you to set up and fund an account via mail by sending a check or money order.
• Deposit Funds
  • Online Payment – Most service providers offer online portals where you can add funds using a credit or debit card.
  • Phone Payment – You can often deposit funds by calling the service provider’s customer service number.
  • Money Transfer Services – Some providers accept payments through money transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram.
  • Mail – Send a check or money order to the provider’s designated address. Make sure to include the necessary details such as your account number and the inmate’s information.
• Monitor and Manage the Account – Regularly check the balance of your prepaid account and add funds as needed to ensure uninterrupted calling.

Example Providers and Payment Instructions

• Global Tel Link (GTL)
  • Website – GTL
  • Phone – Call GTL customer service for account setup and payment.
  • Mail – Send payments to the address provided on their website.
• Securus Technologies
  • Website: Securus
  • Phone: Call Securus customer service for assistance.
  • Mail: Follow the instructions on the Securus website for mailing payments.
• ICSolutions
  • Website: ICSolutions
  • Phone: Contact ICSolutions customer service for setup and payments.
  • Mail: Send payments as directed on their website.
• Telmate
  • Website –  Telmate
  • Phone –  Call Telmate customer service.
  • Mail – Follow mailing instructions on the Telmate website.

Tips for Reducing Costs

• Compare Rates – Different providers and facilities may have varying rates. Understanding the cost structure can help you manage expenses.
• Consider Prepaid Plans – Prepaid plans often offer lower rates compared to collect calls.
• Limit Call Duration – Keeping calls brief can help reduce overall costs.
• Look for Discounts or Promotions – Some service providers may offer promotions or discounts for adding funds online or setting up auto-replenishment.

Paying for inmate calls involves setting up an account with the facility’s phone service provider and depositing funds. Follow the specific instructions provided by the service provider and the correctional facility to ensure smooth and uninterrupted communication.