The Real Cost of Staying Connected: Phone Calls vs. Video Visits in Michigan Prisons

Scheduled video visits in Michigan prisons run 20 minutes each. That fixed length is worth noting - you're paying for a set block of time, not minute-by-minute.

Each 20-minute video visit costs $3.20, paid in advance. Make sure your account is funded before you pick a time slot.

Video visits have a tight booking window: no more than 7 days ahead, and at least 48 hours in advance. Monthly caps depend on custody level - Level I allows up to five visits, Level II up to four, Level IV (general population and protection) up to three, Level V and STG I up to two, and Segregation and STG II up to one. If multiple family members want time each month, you'll need to plan carefully.

• ✓ Log into the ViaPath Visitor website 10 minutes before the scheduled visit so you can be verified and approved.
• ✓ Have a government-issued photo ID ready (for example, a driver’s license, state ID, military ID, passport, or other government ID).
• ✓ Make sure you’re on the prisoner’s Approved Visitor List before you try to request a video visit.

Phone service in Michigan prisons runs through GTL (Global Tel*Link Corporation). As of October 1, 2023, the ViaPath/GTL rate is $0.0735 per minute for all calls, plus applicable taxes and fees.

Phone access depends on the prisoner's Personal Allowed Numbers (PANs). Each prisoner can program up to 20 numbers, and the list resets quarterly - on 1/1, 4/1, 7/1, and 10/1. The real "cost" of phone calls isn't just the per-minute rate; it's also making sure your number is on the list and stays there after each reset.

1. Prepare your payment - fund a prepaid calling account (AdvancePay) using a mailed payment.
2. Mail it to the correct address - send payments to: AdvancePay Service Department, P.O. Box 911722, Denver, CO 80291-1722.

Don't want to mail payments? GTL has lobby kiosks at multiple MDOC facilities where you can fund prepaid phone accounts on-site. Some families find this easier - you can handle it during a facility visit instead of waiting on the mail.

Here's the simplest comparison: a video visit is a flat $3.20 for 20 minutes. Phone calls run $0.0735 per minute (plus taxes and fees). At the base rate, 20 minutes of phone time comes to about $1.47 before extras. Phone tends to be cheaper for quick check-ins. Video gives you predictable pricing for the whole session.

• ✓ Use a prepaid calling account (AdvancePay) so you can load a set amount and keep tighter control over spending.
• ✓ Watch the PAN list and reset dates (1/1, 4/1, 7/1, 10/1) so your number doesn’t drop off unexpectedly.
• ✓ If mail works better for you, send funding to the AdvancePay Service Department P.O. Box 911722, Denver, CO 80291-1722.
• ✓ If you’re already visiting a facility in person, ask about using GTL lobby kiosks at MDOC locations as another way to add funds.

Cost isn't everything - timing rules matter too. Video visits must be booked 48 hours to 7 days ahead, and monthly limits vary by custody level (from five at Level I down to one for Segregation and STG II). If you're near the monthly cap or need more flexibility, phone might be the easier option.

For prisoners who are deaf or hard of hearing, Michigan offers a different setup. This accommodation uses the Go Visits app, provides 30-minute video calls, and is currently free for those who qualify.