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Sending Money to Alger: The $300 Deposit Cap and What Families Should Know

Supporting someone at Alger means navigating deposits, phone costs, and rules that can catch you off guard. Here's what trips families up most—especially the $300 deposit cap and sticking with official vendors.

• 2 min read • michigan.gov
Sending Money to Alger: The $300 Deposit Cap and What Families Should Know

Each deposit to a Michigan Department of Corrections prisoner account is capped at $300.00. Try to send more in a single transaction and it won't go through. If you need to send a larger amount, split it into separate deposits - each one at or under $300.

The official phone vendor for MDOC is Global Tel*Link Corporation (GTL). One thing families run into: prisoners can have up to 20 Personal Allowed Numbers (PAN) on their calling list, and that list automatically resets each quarter - 1/1, 4/1, 7/1, and 10/1. If calls suddenly stop going through after one of those dates, the number list probably needs to be rebuilt.

Want to cover calling costs on your end? Set up an AdvancePay prepaid calling account through ConnectNetwork. You can do it online at ConnectNetwork or by calling 855-466-2832. Once it's active, calls to your number draw from that prepaid balance.

Refunds: To request a refund from a ConnectNetwork/AdvancePay account, call customer service at 877-650-4249.

Scams Verification

  • ✓ Confirm you’re using MDOC’s official phone vendor (GTL) and the official platform for AdvancePay (ConnectNetwork).
  • ✓ Use known, official contact points when you need help: AdvancePay setup is available by phone at 855-466-2832.
  • ✓ Be wary of unsolicited messages that claim they can “lower your rates” or ask you to pay through a different app or service - stick to the authorized vendor channels.
  • ✓ When something feels off, stop and verify before you pay: match the vendor name (GTL/ConnectNetwork) and use the official customer-service numbers rather than replying to a random text, email, or social media message.
Sending Money to Alger: The $300 Deposit Cap and What Families Should Know

Set up AdvancePay but not using it regularly? Keep an eye on the calendar. Accounts become inactive and subject to forfeiture after 180 consecutive days without use. Any activity resets that clock - so even one call can keep your balance from expiring.

  1. Check whether the account is still active - If you’re not sure when it was last used, review your AdvancePay activity online through ConnectNetwork or call 855-466-2832.
  2. Request the refund by phone - If you’re eligible and want the remaining balance back, call ConnectNetwork/AdvancePay customer service at 877-650-4249 and ask for a refund.

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