Penmate Inmate Support Guides
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AdvancePay vs PIN Debit for Wallens Ridge Phone Calls — Which Option Fits Your Family?

If your loved one is at Wallens Ridge State Prison, you have two main options for funding phone calls: AdvancePay (a prepaid account you control) or PIN Debit (an account the inmate uses). Here's how each works — and how to decide which fits your family best.

• 2 min read • vadoc.virginia.gov
AdvancePay vs PIN Debit for Wallens Ridge Phone Calls — Which Option Fits Your Family?

The two main ways to fund Wallens Ridge phone calls are AdvancePay (a prepay account you set up) and PIN Debit deposits (money added directly to the inmate's phone account). Both run through ConnectNetwork, operated by Global Tel*Link, for Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) facilities. One thing to keep in mind: calls are recorded and monitored, except for properly verified attorney calls.

  • ✓ Choose AdvancePay (prepay) if you want a prepaid balance you manage for receiving calls.
  • ✓ Choose PIN Debit deposits if you want to add funds to the inmate’s phone account for them to use when calling people on their approved list.
  1. Go to ConnectNetwork and start an AdvancePay setup - this is the prepay option for family and friends funding calls for VADOC inmates.
  2. Follow the prompts to create and fund the prepaid phone plan - once it’s set up, the balance is used for calls tied to that prepay arrangement.
  3. Call for help if you get stuck - ConnectNetwork support can help with AdvancePay setup at 1-800-483-8314.

Note: AdvancePay runs through ConnectNetwork - that's the system VADOC uses for prepaid phone plans.

  1. Create a ConnectNetwork account - this is the starting point for making a PIN Debit deposit.
  2. Select the right agency during setup - choose “VA” as the state and “Department of Corrections,” then follow the prompts.
  3. Have the inmate’s 7-digit state ID ready - you’ll need it to complete the deposit to their PIN Debit Account.

Account security is worth thinking about. In August 2020, ConnectNetwork disclosed that personal information of thousands of Telmate users was exposed in a data breach. This doesn't change the fact that ConnectNetwork is how VADOC handles phone funding - but treat your account like any financial account. Protect your login and pay attention to vendor notices.

  • ✓ Use a strong, unique password for your ConnectNetwork account.
  • ✓ Check your account activity regularly, especially after you add funds.
  • ✓ Keep the inmate’s 7-digit state ID number handy for PIN Debit deposits.
  • ✓ Watch for vendor notices about security or account changes.
  • ✓ Decide upfront whether you prefer managing a family-controlled prepaid balance (AdvancePay) or depositing into the inmate-managed PIN Debit account.

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