Setting Up Phone Calls from Belknap County Jail: Payment Options and Next Steps

Start by confirming the jail’s phone vendor and which payment options they accept for your loved one. Policies can vary by facility and even by account type, so a quick call can save you a lot of trial-and-error. You can reach Belknap County Corrections at (603) 527-5400.

If you need to handle something in person or you’re mailing paperwork related to phone services, keep the facility address handy: 34 County Drive, Laconia, NH 03246.

One common setup is a prepaid account (often called "AdvanceConnect" in vendor materials). You add money ahead of time, and that balance covers calls - and sometimes other communication services the vendor offers. Prepaid is usually the simplest option if you want predictable control over spending.

Another option is a debit account tied to the incarcerated person (often called "Securus Debit" in vendor documentation). You deposit funds into your loved one's debit balance, and call charges come out of that balance as calls are made. This works well when the jail's phone system requires the person inside to have funds available on their end before calls go through.

A third option is Direct Bill (sometimes called postpaid billing). Instead of preloading money, you apply to have calls billed after the fact - typically on a monthly statement. Direct Bill usually requires approval and a credit check, so it takes longer to set up than prepaid or debit.

1. Create the vendor account - Use the phone vendor the jail confirms and set up your profile with your correct contact details.
2. Choose a prepaid option (AdvanceConnect-style) - Select the prepaid/pre-fund choice in the vendor’s system.
3. Add funds - Make an initial deposit so there’s a balance available for calls.
4. Link your loved one - Add the incarcerated person using the exact name and any identifier the vendor asks for.
5. Confirm it’s accepted for Belknap County Corrections - Call the jail to verify prepaid accounts are enabled for your loved one and ask if there are any restrictions you should know before you deposit more.

1. Set up or sign in to the vendor system - Make sure you’re using the vendor Belknap County Corrections tells you to use.
2. Select the debit option (Securus Debit-style) - Choose the account type that funds the incarcerated person’s debit balance.
3. Deposit to your loved one’s debit balance - Follow the vendor prompts carefully so the funds land on the correct person.
4. Double-check the identifying details - A small mismatch (name spelling, ID number, facility selection) can prevent the deposit from attaching correctly.
5. Verify account status with the jail - If calls still aren’t going through, confirm with the facility that your loved one is eligible to place calls and that the debit option is active on their account.

1. Confirm Direct Bill is even an option - Before you apply, ask the jail which billing methods they allow for phone calls.
2. Apply through the vendor - Complete the Direct Bill application in the vendor’s system.
3. Prepare for a credit check - Vendor documentation typically states approval is based on a credit check, so have your personal information ready.
4. Wait for approval - Direct Bill can take longer than prepaid because it isn’t instant funding.
5. Confirm activation with the jail (and the vendor) - Once approved, verify the billing method is active for calls placed from your loved one’s location/account.

Direct Bill is for people who'd rather receive a bill after calls happen than keep a prepaid balance topped up. It makes sense if you expect ongoing calls and prefer paying a monthly statement to managing deposits. Because approval typically involves a credit check, it's not the fastest route - best for when you're planning beyond the next day or two.

Once you know which account type you're using, nail down the details that affect your costs: call rates, any call length limits, and vendor-specific rules that can block a call. The fastest way to confirm what applies at Belknap County Corrections is to call (603) 527-5400 and ask about the current phone setup.

• ✓ Call Belknap County Corrections at (603) 527-5400 to confirm the phone vendor, the allowed payment methods, and any call limits that could affect you.
• ✓ Check your balance in the vendor account (prepaid or debit) and confirm your last payment posted.
• ✓ Re-check the name and identifiers you entered for your loved one - small mismatches can cause failed linking or misapplied deposits.
• ✓ Ask the jail to verify your loved one’s calling status (for example, whether phone access is active on their account).
• ✓ If you need vendor help, contact the vendor’s customer support and keep your receipt/confirmation and any transaction ID so they can trace the payment.