PIN Debit vs. AdvancePay: Which Phone Payment Method Works Best for Families of Wallens Ridge Inmates
Trying to stay in regular phone contact with someone at Wallens Ridge? Your main choice comes down to this: do you want to fund calls yourself through AdvancePay, or have your loved one use a PIN Debit account that draws from their own phone balance? Here's how both options work in Virginia—and what you'll need to get started.
At Virginia Department of Corrections facilities like Wallens Ridge State Prison, phone service runs through ConnectNetwork (operated by Global Tel*Link). AdvancePay and PIN Debit are both part of that system - the difference is who manages the money behind the calls.
AdvancePay is the "family and friends" option. You create a prepaid account through ConnectNetwork (or call 1 (800) 483-8314) and add money so you can receive calls. You handle the setup and funding on your end - helpful if you'd rather your loved one not worry about phone money day-to-day.
PIN Debit ties to your loved one's phone account inside the facility. They manage that account, and call costs come out of their balance. To deposit money into a PIN Debit account (or set one up through ConnectNetwork), you'll need the inmate's 7-digit state ID number. This option works best when you already have that ID and you're comfortable putting funds directly onto their phone account.
Note: Calls are limited to 20 minutes, and you can deny any collect or debit call you don’t want to accept.
Requirements
- ✓ For AdvancePay: Set up your prepaid account through ConnectNetwork (or call 1 (800) 483-8314).
- ✓ For PIN Debit: Have the inmate’s 7-digit state ID number ready to set up or deposit to the inmate’s phone account via ConnectNetwork.
Two things catch families off guard. First, you don't have to accept every call - VADOC lets you deny any collect or debit call, which helps if you're at work, asleep, or just can't talk. Second, privacy is limited. Calls are recorded and monitored, except for properly verified attorney calls. If your loved one needs to discuss legal strategy, they should use the verified attorney process - regular calls aren't confidential.
Whichever payment method you pick, calls are capped at 20 minutes. Your loved one can only dial numbers on their approved call list, and they're responsible for keeping it updated - up to 15 numbers max.
Want the most control from the outside? AdvancePay is usually simpler - you set up the prepaid plan through ConnectNetwork (or by phone) and decide when to add funds. PIN Debit makes sense if you're okay depositing money onto your loved one's phone account and you have their 7-digit state ID number ready. The real difference is who's in the driver's seat: AdvancePay is managed by family, PIN Debit by the inmate.
- Decide who should manage the phone money - If you want to fund calls from your side, pick AdvancePay; if you want the inmate to manage the calling balance, pick PIN Debit.
- Set up AdvancePay (if that’s your choice) - Use ConnectNetwork to create and fund a prepaid account, or call ConnectNetwork toll-free at 1 (800) 483-8314.
- Prepare for PIN Debit deposits (if that’s your choice) - Get the inmate’s 7-digit state ID number first; you’ll need it to set up or deposit to the PIN Debit account through ConnectNetwork.
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