How to Fund Phone Calls from Red Onion: AdvancePay vs. PIN Debit

If your loved one is at Red Onion State Prison, they're automatically enrolled in the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) telephone system when they enter DOC custody. The funding options below are what VADOC describes for its facilities. One caveat: if someone is in DOC custody but housed in a local jail, that jail's phone rules and payment setup may differ.

AdvancePay is a prepaid option that lets friends and family fund calls. You can set up an AdvancePay account through ConnectNetwork (run by Global Tel*Link) or by calling Global Tel*Link toll-free at 1 (800) 483-8314.

PIN Debit is the other prepaid option VADOC references. The setup process is the same: go through ConnectNetwork, or call Global Tel*Link's toll-free line at 1 (800) 483-8314 if you need help getting started.

What Info Needed

• ✓ The inmate’s 7-digit state (DOC) ID number (you’ll need it to deposit to either a PIN Debit account or an AdvancePay account).

You have two ways to set up VADOC phone funding: use ConnectNetwork (operated by Global Tel*Link) to manage your prepaid account online, or call Global Tel*Link toll-free at 1 (800) 483-8314 if you'd rather handle it by phone or run into issues.

1. Confirm the 7-digit DOC ID before you pay - deposits to AdvancePay or PIN Debit require the inmate’s 7-digit state ID number, so double-check it with your loved one (or your paperwork) first.
2. Re-check the account after the deposit - once you’ve funded the account, look back in your ConnectNetwork account (or follow up through the vendor) to confirm the deposit posted to the place you intended.
3. If they’re moved to a local jail, stop and verify the rules - VADOC’s phone procedures apply to VADOC facilities. If your loved one is in DOC custody but housed in a local jail, that jail’s phone funding process may be different.