Choosing Phone Accounts at Ouachita Correctional Center: AdvancePay vs PIN Debit (GTL)

Ouachita Correctional Center uses GTL for inmate phone calls. When you go to fund calling, you'll see two prepaid options: AdvancePay and PIN Debit. They work differently. The right choice depends on whether you want to pay for calls to your phone number or put money directly on the incarcerated person's calling account.

AdvancePay is tied to a specific phone number - your cell or home phone. You deposit money, and the inmate uses those funds to call that number. When the call comes in, you decide whether to accept or reject it. If you accept, the call cost gets deducted from your AdvancePay balance.

To add money, deposit through your ConnectNetwork account online or call (800) 483-8314. Per-call rates and fees aren't universal - they're set by the facility. You'll find OCC's specific pricing inside your ConnectNetwork account.

PIN Debit is the "inmate pays" option. Instead of funding calls to one specific number, money goes into the inmate's phone account so they can pay for their own calls. They can dial any number the facility allows. This is especially useful if collect calls aren't going through - with PIN Debit funds, the inmate doesn't need to place collect calls to reach you.

Funding PIN Debit starts in the same place: ConnectNetwork. Create an account (or sign in), select the facility, add the inmate you want to support, then make your deposit. One thing to know: money you deposit becomes the inmate's property. If you're using the automated phone system, you may need the facility "Site ID" - it's listed on the facility page.

Cost often drives the decision. PIN Debit calls are generally cheaper than other inmate call types, though exact pricing and deposit fees vary by facility. You'll see OCC's current rates inside your ConnectNetwork account.

Here's the key difference: who holds the money and how flexible calling needs to be. With AdvancePay, you fund calls to your specific phone number. You can accept or reject each call, and refunds are available if the inmate is released or you close the account. With PIN Debit, funds go on the inmate's phone account and become their property. They can call any allowed number without relying on collect calls. Unused funds get refunded to you upon release, but otherwise can only be used for phone calls. On cost, PIN Debit is generally cheaper per call - but pricing is still facility-driven. For OCC, both AdvancePay and PIN Debit rates are set by the facility and published in ConnectNetwork. Log in, select OCC, and you'll see the current numbers before you decide how much to deposit.

1. Start in ConnectNetwork - Create an account or sign in, and confirm you’re selecting Ouachita Correctional Center (OCC) as the facility.
2. Add the person you’re supporting - Follow the prompts to add the inmate (using the information ConnectNetwork asks for).
3. Choose your account type - Pick AdvancePay if you want to fund calls to your phone number, or PIN Debit if you want the inmate to pay for calls from their own phone balance.
4. Make your deposit - Deposit online through ConnectNetwork, or deposit by phone at (800) 483-8314.
5. Have the Site ID ready (for some phone deposits) - If you’re using an automated phone deposit for PIN Debit, you may be asked for the facility’s Site ID (listed on the facility page).

6

• ✓ Deposit online through your ConnectNetwork account (after selecting OCC and adding the inmate)
• ✓ Deposit by phone at (800) 483-8314
• ✓ If using an automated phone deposit for PIN Debit, have the facility Site ID available (it’s listed on the facility page)
• ✓ Contact ConnectNetwork/GTL support if you need help with setup or refunds