Understanding SCI Somerset's Monthly Visit Limits: How Many Visits Can You Schedule?
Planning visits gets easier once you know the monthly caps and how long each visit lasts. Here's what Pennsylvania DOC rules say about SCI Somerset—and what to double-check before locking in your schedule.
Under Pennsylvania DOC rules, an inmate may receive up to four in-person (contact) visits per month. Only one of those can fall on a weekend. If you're juggling family work schedules, that detail matters - once you've used your weekend slot, the remaining visits need to happen on weekdays.
Note: Schedules and limits can change based on facility operations. Before planning travel, confirm current rules through the DOC visitation system and SCI Somerset's facility information.
Contact visits last at least one hour - the DOC guarantees that minimum. You're not showing up for a quick 20-minute window, so plan your day around a full hour of visiting time.
Video visits run 45 minutes. That shorter window can work well for a lunch break or after-work call, but be ready to start on time - you don't want to lose part of your session.
Monthly limits for video visits are trickier than in-person limits. Availability depends on timeslots and housing status. Before assuming how many you can book, check the current allowance in the DOC's Inmate Visitation System (IVS) and any SCI Somerset-specific guidance listed there.
Tips Maximize
- ✓ Save the one weekend in-person visit for when you really need it (work conflicts, kids’ schedules, special occasions).
- ✓ Block off enough time for contact visits since they’re guaranteed to be at least one hour.
- ✓ Treat video visits like a 45-minute appointment: log in early, reduce distractions, and plan what you want to cover so the time doesn’t fly by.
Keep an eye on the email tied to your IVS account. The system sends automatic notifications when your account status or visits change - helpful for catching a cancellation quickly and adjusting plans before you make the trip.
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