Yes, you should have a Securus account set up before paying for discounted phone services through InmateAid. Here's why this is important and how the process works:
Why You Need a Securus Account First:
- Primary Phone Service Provider: Securus is the official phone service provider for many correctional facilities. Having a Securus account allows your inmate to connect with you through their system, which is mandatory for making calls.
- Connecting InmateAid Services: InmateAid offers discounted phone services by providing a phone number that reduces call costs from the facility to your phone. However, this discounted service still requires you to have an active account with Securus for the inmate to call the local number provided by InmateAid, which will then be forwarded to your actual phone number.
Steps to Follow:
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Set Up Your Securus Account:
- Visit the Securus website: Securus Technologies and create an account. You will need to provide your contact details, phone number, and payment information.
- Fund your Securus account to ensure your inmate can make calls once everything is set up.
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Register with InmateAid:
- Go to the InmateAid website: InmateAid and sign up for their discounted phone service.
- You’ll be assigned a phone number that reduces call costs from your inmate’s facility to your phone.
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Link the Two Services:
- Provide your Securus account information and ensure that the phone number given by InmateAid is added to your Securus account. This way, the calls from the inmate will be routed correctly, and you’ll benefit from the discounted rate.
Key Points to Remember:
- Securus Billing: Even though you are using InmateAid for a discounted rate, Securus still handles the actual call connection, so maintaining your Securus account is essential.
- Verify Everything: Double-check that both services are set up correctly and that your local number from InmateAid is linked to your Securus account, ensuring seamless communication.
By setting up your Securus account first, you ensure that the discounted phone service from InmateAid will work correctly, allowing you to receive calls from your loved one at a lower cost