Setting Up AdvancePay & ConnectNetwork for Sumter C.I.: Your First-Time Guide

AdvancePay is a prepaid calling account tied to your phone number. You add money, and the incarcerated person uses that balance to call you from Sumter C.I. Setup is straightforward, but get the details right - your name and phone number are how the system routes calls to the correct account.

1. Go to the ConnectNetwork “Get Started” page - Use web.connectnetwork.com/get-started-fdc/ to start your AdvancePay setup for Sumter C.I.
2. Create your account and follow the prompts - You’ll enter your profile details and set up your account so it’s tied to the phone number you want your loved one to call.
3. Add funds to your AdvancePay phone number - Once your number is funded, calls can draw down from that prepaid balance.

1. Call the automated system - Dial (866) 732-9098 to use GTL’s automated telephone system.
2. Open your account by phone - Follow the recorded prompts to set up AdvancePay.
3. Make a deposit - You can also add money to your AdvancePay balance through the same phone system.

1. Download the free ConnectNetwork mobile app - This is another option for opening an AdvancePay account.
2. Create your account in the app - Enter your information and complete the setup steps.
3. Fund your AdvancePay balance - Add money so your phone number is ready to receive calls using that prepaid account.

Pay By Mail

• ✓ Write your 10-digit telephone number on the check or money order (that phone number is your AdvancePay account number).
• ✓ Don’t mail a payment without the telephone number - if it’s missing, the payment can’t be posted to your account.

Paying by mail? Plan ahead. Checks and money orders can take 7–10 business days to post to your AdvancePay account. Don't wait until the balance hits zero if you want to avoid missed calls.

If your AdvancePay number gets blocked, the person whose name is on the phone account needs to call (866) 732-9098 and speak with a customer service rep. Anyone else calling won't get anywhere - make sure the listed account holder is the one who makes the call.

Name matching trips up a lot of first-timers. When you create your ConnectNetwork account for Sumter C.I., your first and last name must match your government-issued ID exactly - think driver's license. Even small differences like extra spaces, nicknames, or missing hyphens can slow things down if verification is required.