How to Call an Inmate in Delaware

The Delaware Department of Corrections has a contract with GTL’s ConnectNetwork, so if you want to receive a call from an inmate you will need to set up a prepaid phone account with them. You can do this by calling 1-866-230-7761 or by visiting their website.

ConnectNetwork is a one-stop resource for connecting and communicating with your loved one who is incarcerated in a Delaware correctional facility. Their products and services are designed especially for inmates and their friends and family. ConnectNetwork is part of GTL, the corrections industry’s most trusted technological solution provider. They make it easy and convenient for you to communicate with and support inmates at a correctional facility.

Creating a ConnectNetwork Account

First, select the facility where your inmate is located, you’ll see which services are available at that facility. For the Delaware Department of Corrections, the services available are AdvancePay, PIN Debit, and Trust Fund.

GTL will walk you through a quick setup of those services by collecting information such as:

  • Inmate ID
  • Your phone number
  • Your basic contact info

Once you complete the sign-up process, please click the link in the confirmation email that you are sent. Then, your account is activated and ready to go.

Next, you will need to make a deposit or payment. When you sign in to the ConnectNetwork.com site, you will see services already set up on your Dashboard. Simply click, “Make a Deposit,” or, “Add Funds,” to add money to any services that you have access to.  Choose the dollar amount and provide credit card or debit card information to complete the transaction.

AdvancePay

AdvancePay is ConnectNetwork’s fastest and most convenient phone service, connecting friends and family members to inmates. When you create an AdvancePay account, you’re creating a prepaid collect calling service that allows an inmate to call your phone number using money that you deposit.

You can even set up multiple AdvancePay accounts if you have inmates in separate facilities and wish to have calls directed to different phone numbers.

After you set up an AdvancePay account, you can start adding money and receiving phone calls. As long as you have a balance for at least a one-minute call in your account, you can receive a call at any time.

To ensure you don’t miss any calls, you can sign up to be notified via text messages when your balance is low, or sign up for AutoReload to automatically replenish your account.

Features of AdvancePay:

  • Only your phone number can be called with the funds in your account.
  • You control expenses and call acceptance.
  • Options are available to securely store your credit card number and automatically reload your account when your account balance is low.
  • Helpful alerts by text, email, or automated phone call can remind you to fund your account when your balance is low.
  • It’s easy and quick to make mobile deposits via the ConnectNetwork mobile app.

Once you establish an accountㅡwhich becomes active as soon as you fund itㅡyou can receive calls from an inmate. You always have the option to accept or reject a call and the value of each completed call is immediately deducted from your account.

Refunds are available if the inmate who calls you is released, or you no longer need an AdvancePay account.

Costs are determined by each correctional facility. The amount you choose to deposit into your account can vary depending on how much phone time you’ll want. AdvancePay rates and fees are published in your ConnectNetwork account.

PIN Debit

Inmates with PIN Debit prepaid phone accounts can pay for their own phone calls, and call any phone numbers allowed by their facility. Many facilities allow friends and family to make deposits directly into the inmate’s PIN Debit account. Inmates can also fund this phone account from their commissary/trust account.

Unused funds in a PIN Debit account are refunded upon release, but otherwise cannot be used for any other purpose than paying for phone calls.

Features of PIN Debit:

  • Offers the ability for inmates to reach those friends or family members who may not be able to pay for calls.
  • Multiple convenient ways for friends and family members to make deposits.
  • Limits use of funds by inmates to just phone calls.

To fund an inmate’s PIN Debit account, you’ll first need to create a ConnectNetwork account. During that process, you’ll be asked to select a facility and add an inmate for whom you wish to make a deposit. Once you have set this up, you’ll be able to begin making deposits. Please remember that money deposited becomes the inmate’s property.

Deposit fees and amounts vary by correctional facility and can be found within your ConnectNetwork account. PIN Debit call prices vary by correctional facility, but are generally less expensive than other types of inmate calls.

Trust Fund

The Trust Fund service allows you to deposit money directly into an inmate’s commissary account. The inmate can then use those funds, just like cash, to make a variety of purchases at their facility’s commissary (items vary by facility location).

The Trust Fund service makes it easier than ever to help your incarcerated loved ones stay connected and adjust to life at their facility.

Features of the trust fund:

  • Deposit options available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone and anywhere you have Internet access.
  • Mobile-friendly deposit options are available.
  • Deposits and payments made through automated channels (ConnectNetwork Website, Mobile App, Toll Free Phone, or Kiosk) are transmitted to the facility within one business day. Deposits that are mailed are generally processed the next business day after they are received by GTL. (Availability of funds is subject to facility policies).
  • Inmate can choose how to spend funds.

After creating a ConnectNetwork account and selecting a facility and inmate to add to your account, you can deposit money into his or her Trust Fund (commissary) account at any time. Deposit amounts vary, but the most common denominations are between $10 and $100. All funds appear on the inmate’s account quickly, efficiently, and accurately.

Trust Fund deposit fees vary by correctional facility. Check the fees associated with your inmate’s facility by signing into your ConnectNetwork account.

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