Three Ways Inmates Can Call (Lake County Jail) — Collect, Prepaid, and Debit

Telmate runs the phone system at Lake County Jail. That means three calling options: collect, prepaid, and debit.

Collect calls are the most straightforward option. The inmate dials your number, you accept the call, and the charges go on your bill.

• ✓ Cell phones can’t receive collect calls from the jail.
• ✓ Business phones can’t receive collect calls from the jail.
• ✓ Numbers that are blocked from receiving collect calls can’t be called collect.

1. Set up a prepaid account by phone - Call Telmate toll-free at 1-866-516-0115 to set up a prepaid call account.

1. Set up a prepaid account online - Create a prepaid call account through Telmate’s GettingOut website.

Prepaid calling solves the collect-call block problem. Once you set up a prepaid account, inmates can reach cell phones, office lines, hospitals, and other numbers that won't accept collect calls.

Debit calling works differently. The inmate buys phone time through commissary and uses that balance to call out.

Having trouble with billing, your account, or getting calls through? Call Telmate customer service at 1-866-516-0115. You can also use this number to set up a prepaid account by phone.

You can also use Telmate’s GettingOut website to set up a prepaid call account online.

Quick Summary

• ✓ Collect calls - Use this when your phone line can accept collect calls and you’re okay paying for the call.
• ✓ Collect calls won’t work - If you’re on a cell phone, a business line, or a number blocked from receiving collect calls.
• ✓ Prepaid calls - A good fit if you need to receive calls on a cell phone, office phone, hospital phone, or another commercial number.
• ✓ Debit calls - Use this when the inmate is buying phone time through commissary and calling using that balance.