Cheap Prison Calls:
How Much Phone Credit Do UK Prisoners Get?

In the UK, prisoners face strict limitations on communication, including phone calls. Unlike the general public, who have easy access to mobile phones and landlines, prisoners must navigate a more restricted and monitored system. For those looking to stay in contact with loved ones or maintain ties outside of prison, phone credit becomes essential. The amount of credit a prisoner receives depends on several factors, including their behavior, privilege level, and the specific rules of the prison.

How Phone Credit Is Allocated

The system for providing phone credit in UK prisons revolves around a privilege system. Prisoners are categorised into different levels based on their behavior and how well they follow the prison's rules. These levels affect not only their privileges but also their access to phone credit.

Entry-Level Prisoners
New or lower-tier prisoners, often referred to as "entry-level," receive around £10 per week in their "spends" account. This is a relatively low amount and is meant to cover basic needs, including phone credit. The entry level is typically for those who have just entered the prison system or those who have violated prison rules. As a result, they have fewer privileges and limited access to phone services.

Standard Prisoners
Standard-level prisoners, who have demonstrated good behavior and have progressed from entry-level, receive around £15.50 per week in their "spends" account. This increase in funds allows them to purchase more phone credit, giving them better opportunities to stay in touch with friends and family.

Enhanced Prisoners
Enhanced prisoners, who have maintained good behavior and followed prison rules consistently, receive around £25 per week in their "spends" account. Enhanced status is the highest level a prisoner can achieve, granting them more privileges, including a higher phone credit allowance. This allows enhanced prisoners to make more frequent calls to loved ones, supporting the prison system’s goal of maintaining family ties and reducing reoffending.

Supplementing Phone Credit

In addition to the weekly "spends" account, prisoners can use money from their canteen sheet to add to their phone credit. The canteen system allows prisoners to purchase goods such as toiletries, snacks, and stationery. Prisoners can choose to allocate some of their canteen money toward their phone credit, giving them more flexibility in managing their communication needs. This system encourages responsible budgeting, as prisoners must decide how much of their limited funds to spend on phone calls versus other essentials.

Other Ways To Communicate From Prison

Aside from traditional phone calls, there are other ways prisoners can communicate with the outside world. These options provide more flexibility and make it easier for families to stay in touch with their incarcerated loved ones.

Prison Voicemails
Prison voicemail is a service that allows friends and family to leave a message for the prisoner, who can listen to the voicemail and reply by calling back. This is particularly useful for those who cannot answer calls during designated prison phone times. It also allows prisoners to communicate when they have limited access to direct calls. However, voicemail services may still use up phone credit, depending on the prison’s policies.

Video Calls
Some prisons in the UK have introduced secure video call systems, enabling prisoners to stay connected with loved ones face-to-face. These video calls are an alternative to in-person visits, particularly during times when visiting may not be possible, such as during a pandemic or due to long distances between family members and the prison. Typically, prisoners are allowed one free video call per month, which can last up to 30 minutes. Additional video calls may be available, but these may incur charges and require extra phone credit.

Virtual Landlines Like Prison Call
Virtual landlines offer another way to make communication more affordable. A virtual landline allows prisoners to make calls at a local landline rate rather than the more expensive mobile rate. This option can lead to significant savings on call costs, especially for those who frequently call mobile numbers. With the high cost of phone calls from prison, virtual landlines can help prisoners stay connected to their families without exhausting their phone credit.

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Mobile Phones In Prison

While phone credit and communication options are essential for prisoners, it’s important to remember that mobile phones are strictly prohibited in UK prisons. The possession or use of a mobile phone in prison is illegal and can result in severe consequences for both the prisoner and anyone who assists in smuggling in such devices. Prisons have strict policies to prevent the use of mobile phones, and they may use technology to block mobile signals within the prison.

The restriction on mobile phones ensures that all prisoner communications are monitored for safety reasons. Prison phones are designed to allow authorities to listen in on calls if necessary, helping to prevent illegal activities such as drug trafficking or organizing crimes from within prison walls.

How Phone Credit Impacts A Prisoner's Life

For many prisoners, phone credit is a lifeline to the outside world. Being able to communicate with loved ones provides emotional support and helps prisoners feel connected to society. It can also reduce feelings of isolation and anxiety, both of which are common in the prison environment. However, prisoners must carefully manage their phone credit to ensure they can maintain regular contact with family and friends.

The amount of phone credit a prisoner has access to can also impact their rehabilitation process. Regular communication with loved ones can motivate prisoners to follow the rules and work toward earning enhanced status, which offers more privileges and opportunities for communication.

Accessing Phone Credit

Despite the availability of phone credit and communication options, some prisoners face challenges in accessing these services. Financial hardship is a common issue, especially for prisoners who do not receive financial support from family members. For those without adequate funds, phone calls may be infrequent, which can lead to a breakdown in family relationships and hinder the rehabilitation process.

Additionally, some prisons may have more limited phone access due to overcrowding or understaffing. In such cases, prisoners may find it difficult to access phones during their allocated association times, further limiting their ability to stay in touch with loved ones.

In the UK prison system, phone credit is a valuable resource that enables prisoners to maintain contact with their families and support networks. The amount of phone credit a prisoner receives depends on their behavior and privilege level, with enhanced prisoners receiving the most credit. In addition to traditional phone calls, other communication options such as prison voicemail, video calls, and virtual landlines provide additional ways for prisoners to stay connected. However, financial constraints and prison policies can create challenges for some prisoners in accessing phone credit. Maintaining regular contact with loved ones is crucial for rehabilitation, and efforts should be made to ensure that all prisoners have the opportunity to communicate with their families.