Cheap Prison Calls:
Can I Top Up A Prisoner's Phone Credit In The UK?

Keeping in touch with loved ones in prison is a vital way to maintain relationships and provide emotional support during their time behind bars. One of the most common ways to stay connected is through phone calls, but you may wonder how to ensure that a prisoner has enough credit to make calls. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about topping up a prisoner's phone credit in the UK, including the systems in place, how they work, and some useful tips to ensure seamless communication.

How Phone Calls Work in UK Prisons

Before delving into the specifics of topping up phone credit, it's essential to understand how phone systems in UK prisons function. Prisoners in the UK use a secure and controlled prison phone system, which is operated by a few approved telecommunications providers. These systems ensure that prisoners can only make outbound calls to a list of pre-approved numbers, which could include family, friends, and legal representatives. Incoming calls are not allowed, except in very rare circumstances for emergencies.

Each prisoner is typically given access to a phone during set times of the day. Calls are made from communal areas within the prison, and they are monitored and recorded for security purposes. Calls are charged at a standard rate, which varies depending on whether the call is to a landline or mobile number.

How To Top Up A Prisoner's Phone Credit

In order for a prisoner to make calls, they need to have sufficient credit on their prison phone account. There are a few different ways to top up this account, depending on the prison and the phone service in place.

Prison PIN Phone System
‍Most UK prisons use a PIN phone system, where each prisoner is assigned a unique PIN number that they must enter before making any calls. This ensures that all calls are recorded and linked to a specific prisoner for security reasons. The system is prepaid, so prisoners must have credit on their account to make calls.

Cheaper Calls Using Prison Call
‍Most UK prisons use a PIN phone system, where each prisoner is assigned a unique PIN number that they must enter before making any calls. This ensures that all calls are recorded and linked to a specific prisoner for security reasons. The system is prepaid, so prisoners must have credit on their account to make calls.

Direct Top-Up Services
‍In some prisons, there are services that allow family and friends to directly top up a prisoner’s phone account online. These services vary depending on the prison and phone provider, so it's best to check with the specific prison or their telecommunication provider to see if this option is available.

Prisoners can also use a service like Prison Call, which offers significantly cheaper rates for prison calls. Services like this allow prisoners and their families to benefit from reduced call rates, helping to ease the financial burden of staying in touch with loved ones during their sentence.

Transferring Money For Phone Credit

To top up a prisoner's phone credit through their personal account, you need to send money to the prisoner using one of the following methods:

Online Transfers
‍You can transfer money directly to a prisoner's account through secure online services. In the UK, the government’s official service is called GOV.UK Send Money to Someone in Prison. All you need is the prisoner’s details, including their prison number and the name of the prison they are being held in. The transfer is typically quick, with the money being available in the prisoner's account within a few days.

Postal Orders
‍If you prefer, you can also send money to a prisoner through a postal order. However, this is a slower method and usually takes longer for the funds to reach the prisoner’s account. You’ll need to ensure that the postal order is filled out correctly, with the prisoner's name and number, and sent to the right address.

Bank Transfer
‍Some prisons also accept direct bank transfers to a prisoner's personal account. This method is less common but can be an option in certain prisons. You should contact the prison to confirm if this method is available.

Restrictions On Phone Credit

It’s important to note that prisoners have restrictions on how much phone credit they can hold at any given time. Typically, the limit is around £50, though this can vary depending on the prison’s policies. Once the limit is reached, any additional funds transferred to their account may not be used for phone credit until they have spent what they already have.

For many families, the cost of staying in touch with loved ones in prison can add up quickly. Phone calls from UK prisons, especially to mobile phones, can be expensive. On average, calls to a mobile phone can cost up to 25p per minute, which can strain finances, particularly for those already facing economic challenges.

This is where services like Prison Call come in. Prison Call offers significantly cheaper rates for prison calls, allowing families to save money while still maintaining regular contact. With average savings of £100 or more per year, Prison Call provides a valuable service for those supporting someone in prison. These services work by providing a virtual landline number that links to your mobile phone, ensuring that prisoners are charged landline rates instead of the higher mobile rates.

Staying Connected

Maintaining regular phone contact with loved ones in prison is not just about staying connected; it also has important benefits for both the prisoner and their family. Research shows that prisoners who maintain strong family ties are less likely to reoffend after release. Phone calls offer an important way for prisoners to stay involved in their family life, even while incarcerated. This connection can provide emotional support, reduce feelings of isolation, and help prisoners transition more smoothly back into society once they are released.

For families, particularly children, hearing from a loved one in prison can ease the anxiety and stress that comes with separation. Regular phone contact helps reassure children that their parent or relative is safe, even if they cannot visit them in person frequently.

Despite the importance of staying connected, many families face significant barriers in maintaining regular phone contact with loved ones in prison. The cost of phone calls, restrictions on when prisoners can make calls, and the availability of phones in prison can all pose challenges. For families on low incomes, these challenges can be particularly difficult to overcome.

In addition, many prisoners spend long periods of time in their cells, with limited access to communal areas where phones are available. This can further reduce opportunities for regular phone contact.

Topping up a prisoner's phone credit in the UK is relatively straightforward, but it requires a good understanding of the systems in place. Whether you’re transferring money into their personal account or using direct top-up services, it’s important to ensure that your loved one has enough credit to stay in touch. Services like Prison Call can significantly reduce the cost of these calls, making it easier for families to maintain regular contact without facing financial strain. Regular phone contact is a lifeline for prisoners and their families, providing emotional support and helping to reduce reoffending in the long term. By staying connected, you can help your loved one through their sentence and support them in their rehabilitation journey.