Penmate Inmate Support Guides
Phone & Messaging

Phone Calls from VADOC Facilities: How to Set Up a Prepaid (AdvancePay) Account

Want to reliably receive calls from someone in a Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) facility? Setting up a prepaid (AdvancePay) account through ConnectNetwork is one of the easiest options. Here's how to get started, plus what information you'll need.

• 2 min read Verified from official sources

A prepaid (AdvancePay) account lets you deposit money ahead of time to receive collect calls from an inmate. This is especially useful if your phone line doesn't accept collect calls. It also means no scrambling to figure out payment when a call comes through. Funds are already there, so calls go through without interruption.

  1. Go to ConnectNetwork and start an account: This is the platform used for AdvancePay and other VADOC phone funding options.
  2. Follow the prompts for Virginia: If you’re asked to choose a location, select “VA” as the state.
  3. Select the correct agency: Choose “Department of Corrections” when prompted so you’re set up in the right VADOC system (this matters for PIN Debit deposits).
  4. Have the inmate’s 7-digit state ID ready: You will need the inmate’s 7-digit Inmate ID (state ID) number to make sure money is applied to the correct person and account.
  5. Deposit funds to support calls: Once your account is set up, you can deposit money into the prepaid phone account you’re using to receive collect calls.

Keep the inmate's 7-digit state ID number handy. You'll need it to link deposits and phone funding to the right person.

VADOC also offers PIN Debit Accounts for calls. With this setup, the inmate uses their own PIN Debit Account to place outgoing calls, and the cost is deducted from that balance. If you want to deposit money into an inmate's PIN Debit Account through ConnectNetwork, select "VA" as the state and "Department of Corrections" during account setup. This ensures the deposit routes to the right place.

  • ✓ Get the inmate’s 7-digit Inmate ID (state ID) number before you start.
  • ✓ In ConnectNetwork, select “VA” as the state.
  • ✓ Choose “Department of Corrections” when prompted.
  • ✓ Double-check you’re depositing to the correct inmate/account before you finalize the transaction.

If you need help setting up a pre-pay phone plan or have questions about AdvancePay through ConnectNetwork, you can call ConnectNetwork customer service toll-free at 1 (800) 483-8314.

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