Strategies to Reduce Your Costs on Inmate Telephone Calls

Keeping in touch with a loved one who is incarcerated can be vital to maintaining strong emotional support and staying connected. However, one of the biggest challenges families face is the high cost of inmate phone calls. The system for phone calls in jails and prisons is often set up in a way that can feel unfair, with expensive charges that add up quickly. Understanding how inmate phone calls work and exploring ways to reduce costs can help make communication more affordable for families.

Inmate telephone calls are usually managed by private companies that set high rates for calls made by inmates. Whether the calls are local or long-distance, these companies often charge more than what you’d pay for regular phone service. As a result, families end up paying a lot of money just to talk to their loved ones. This blog will give you a closer look at how to lower these costs and still stay in touch with those who need it most.

How Are Inmate Phone Calls Charged?

Before you can save money on inmate calls, it’s important to understand how they are charged. Most correctional facilities don’t allow inmates to use regular phones, so they rely on jail telephone systems. These systems are often run by private companies that set the rates for phone calls made from the prison. These rates can include various fees, like connection charges, per-minute costs, and additional surcharges, making calls much more expensive than regular phone calls.

When an inmate makes a call, the charges typically fall on the person receiving the call. In most cases, the person getting the call will either pay for collect calls or load funds into a prepaid account that the inmate can use for calls. These costs can quickly become overwhelming, especially if your loved one calls frequently. It’s important to find ways to lower these costs and make communication more affordable.

1. Review the Available Calling Plans

The first step to cutting down on costs is to check out the different calling plans available at the correctional facility where your loved one is. Many jails and prisons offer various options, such as prepaid accounts or collect calls. Prepaid accounts, for instance, allow the person receiving the calls to load money into an account, which the inmate can then use for phone calls. These accounts often offer better rates compared to collect calls, as they avoid some of the extra connection and service fees.

If you’re unsure about the best option, it’s a good idea to research all available plans at the facility. Compare the rates and see which plan works best for your budget. Some facilities also have agreements with third-party companies that offer better rates than the standard ones, so make sure you explore all your choices.

2. Use Engine Numbers to Save Money

Another effective way to reduce costs is by using an Engin number, which is a Voice over IP (VoIP) service that offers cheaper phone call rates. VoIP technology uses the internet to make calls, which can be a lot less expensive than using traditional phone lines.

Some correctional facilities allow inmates to call VoIP numbers, so you can set up an Engin account and give your loved one the number to use. This can help lower the per-minute cost of calls and even reduce some of the extra fees charged by the prison’s phone system. This is a great option if you want to save money and still stay connected with your loved one.

3. Take Advantage of Call Bundles

In some cases, you might be able to save money by buying call bundles, which allow you to purchase a set amount of minutes at a reduced rate. Many facilities offer these bundles for families who want to manage their costs more easily. If your loved one calls frequently, purchasing a bundle might save you a lot of money in the long run.

It’s important to figure out how many minutes your loved one typically uses per week or month so you can buy the right bundle. If they tend to make several calls a week, a bundle could be the most cost-effective choice. Some services even offer discounts or special promotions on bundles, so keep an eye out for those opportunities.

4. Explore Video Calling

Video calls are another way to connect with your loved one, and in some facilities, they may even be cheaper than regular phone calls. Video calls provide a more personal connection, as you can see and speak to each other in real-time, rather than just hearing each other’s voices.

While not all prisons offer video calling, it’s worth checking if the facility where your loved one is located provides this option. Many video calling services cost less than traditional phone calls and might help you save money, especially if they charge a lower rate per minute. If video calls are available, it’s a good idea to consider them as an alternative to regular phone calls.

5. Use Inmate Calling Apps

In today’s digital age, some services have created apps that make it easier to manage inmate phone calls. These apps allow you to schedule and pay for calls right from your smartphone, and they often provide discounted rates compared to traditional inmate phone services.

If the facility where your loved one is housed allows the use of these apps, it could be a great option for saving money. Some apps also give you the ability to monitor call costs, so you can track how much you’re spending and find the best time to call. These apps are a convenient way to manage calls and lower costs, especially if your loved one calls often.

6. Schedule Calls During Off-Peak Hours

Just like regular phone companies, inmate telephone service providers often charge higher rates during peak times. This usually includes evenings, weekends, and holidays, when the demand for calls is at its highest.

To save money, try to schedule calls during off-peak hours, such as mid-morning or early afternoon. These times generally have lower rates, and you can still stay in touch with your loved one without paying extra. While it may require some flexibility, this simple strategy can help reduce your overall phone bill.

7. Monitor Your Account Regularly

It’s essential to keep an eye on your account to make sure you’re not being charged extra fees that you weren’t expecting. Some phone services may include hidden costs, like connection fees or added surcharges, that can quickly increase the total cost of each call.

Make it a habit to regularly check your account statements or usage reports. This way, you can catch any unexpected charges early and avoid being overcharged. It’s always a good idea to stay informed about your spending and ensure that you’re getting the best value for your money.

Conclusion

Staying in touch with an incarcerated loved one is important, but the costs of inmate telephone calls don’t have to break the bank. By reviewing available calling plans, using Engin numbers, opting for call bundles, and considering video calling options, you can lower the cost of communication. Additionally, using inmate calling apps, scheduling calls during off-peak hours and regularly monitoring your account will help you stay within your budget.

By being proactive and exploring all available options, you can manage the costs of inmate phone calls without sacrificing the quality of your connection. For more tips and information on how to manage inmate calls effectively, visit Prison Engine, your go-to resource for navigating inmate communication.