Having a loved one in jail can be a tough experience, and staying in touch with them is one way to maintain a strong bond. One of the main ways families communicate with inmates is through phone calls. However, jail telephone calls can be very expensive, creating financial stress on families who are already dealing with the emotional burden of incarceration. The good news is that there are ways to reduce these costs and stay connected without breaking the bank. In this article, we’ll explore practical tips to help families lower inmate calling charges while staying in touch with their loved ones.
Jail phone calls often come with high fees because most jails and prisons work with third-party companies that charge premium rates. These charges can be a serious financial strain for families, especially when calls are made frequently. While some states have laws in place to limit inmate calling rates, many facilities still charge a lot for each call. Understanding how inmate calling charges work and knowing the available options can help families save money and stay connected. Let’s take a closer look at some strategies that can help lower inmate calling costs.
1. Know How Jail Phone Systems and Charges Work
Before trying to reduce the costs of inmate phone calls, it’s important to understand how the jail or prison phone system operates. Most facilities don’t allow inmates to receive calls but allow them to make outgoing calls, which are often collect calls or through prepaid accounts. Many jails have contracts with third-party companies to provide phone services, and those companies set the rates. These rates can vary depending on the jail and the specific contract.
It’s essential to check with the facility where your loved one is incarcerated to find out how the phone system works. Look for information on the available calling options, such as collect calls, prepaid accounts, or calling cards. This will give you a better idea of what to expect in terms of charges and help you choose the best option for your situation.
2. Set Up a Pre-Paid Account
One of the best ways to lower inmate calling charges is by setting up a prepaid account for phone calls. Inmates often can’t receive direct calls, but they can make outgoing calls, typically to a pre-approved list of phone numbers. A prepaid account lets you add funds in advance, so inmates have credit to make calls.
The advantage of using a prepaid account is that it often costs less than accepting collect calls. Many jails offer lower rates for prepaid accounts, which can save you money over time. Additionally, having a prepaid account gives you more control over the costs, as you can monitor how much money is left and refill the account as needed.
3. Learn About State and Local Regulations
Some states and local governments have rules in place that limit the rates that can be charged for inmate phone calls. In 2020, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) introduced rules to cap the cost of interstate phone calls, but these rules don’t apply everywhere. Some states and counties still allow high charges, which can add up quickly.
It’s worth researching your state’s laws on inmate calling rates. Some states have already implemented regulations to make these calls more affordable, and some facilities are required to provide fair rates. If you’re not sure about the laws in your area, contact the facility directly to ask about their calling fees and whether there are any options to lower those costs.
4. Look for Discount Programmes
Certain phone service providers that work with jails offer discount programmes to help reduce the cost of inmate phone calls. These programmes may offer reduced rates for long-distance calls, or they may provide flat-rate pricing for unlimited calls. Some providers may also offer discounts if calls are made during off-peak hours.
Before setting up a phone account, ask the jail if there are any discount programmes available. If your loved one is in a facility that offers such programmes, it could significantly lower the cost of phone calls. Take the time to compare available programmes and choose the one that offers the best deal for your situation.
5. Explore Other Ways to Communicate
While phone calls are the most common way to stay in touch, some facilities offer other methods of communication that can be more affordable. For example, many jails now allow inmates to send and receive emails through a secure system or even make video calls. Video calls can be a more personal way to communicate, and they are often less expensive than traditional phone calls.
In addition to email and video calls, some jails provide digital messaging systems, which allow families to send text-like messages to inmates. These systems can be a much cheaper option for staying in touch, and while they don’t replace phone calls completely, they offer an affordable way to communicate regularly.
6. Limit Call Duration and Frequency
It’s easy to get caught up in wanting to talk to your loved one as often as possible, but high charges can quickly add up if calls are too frequent or last too long. To keep costs down, try to set limits on how often and how long the calls will be.
One strategy is to schedule regular call times. This helps both the inmate and their family plan ahead and keep conversations within a reasonable time frame. By keeping calls shorter and limiting how often they happen, you can help avoid unexpected charges and reduce the overall cost of staying in touch.
7. Choose Jail Phone Providers with Lower Rates
In some cases, families have the option to choose from different phone providers that work with the jail. If this is the case, you can select the provider that offers the most affordable rates. Compare the rates for connection fees, per-minute charges, and any other fees that might apply.
If you don’t have a choice in the provider, you might want to contact the facility to express concerns about high phone charges. In some cases, if enough families voice their dissatisfaction, a jail may be willing to reconsider its phone service provider. While it may not always be possible to switch providers, it’s still worth investigating your options.
Conclusion: Taking Control of Inmate Calling Costs
Inmate phone calls don’t have to drain your finances. By understanding the jail’s phone system, using prepaid accounts, looking for discount programmes, and exploring alternative communication methods like email or video calls, families can reduce the costs of staying in touch with their incarcerated loved ones.
Remember, it’s also important to be aware of local and state laws regarding inmate calling rates and to advocate for fairer pricing if necessary. If you’re looking for an easy and affordable way to manage inmate calling charges, Prison Engine can help. With a simple platform designed to save you money, Prison Engine offers affordable solutions for families who need to stay connected with their loved ones in jail. Visit Prison Engine today to learn more.
- Top 5 Benefits of Prison Connect for Inmate Families
- Discover the top 5 benefits of using Prison Connect—making inmate calls easier, cheaper, and more reliable for families staying connected with loved ones.
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