The Hidden Costs Of Staying In Touch With Loved Ones In Prison

Staying connected with a loved one in prison is important — but it can also be surprisingly expensive. Many families find themselves struggling to afford the high cost of phone calls, not to mention other expenses that come with keeping in touch. Let’s break down the hidden costs and see how you can save money while staying connected.

1. Expensive Phone Calls Prisons often use special phone companies that charge very high rates for calls. Calling a mobile phone is usually even more expensive than calling a landline. This can leave families paying hundreds of pounds a month just to talk to their loved one.

2. Extra Fees and Charges On top of the call rates, many prison phone companies add extra fees. This can include fees to set up an account, fees to add money to the account, and even fees just to keep the account active. These extra costs add up fast.

3. Travel Costs for Visits If you want to visit your loved one in person, travel costs can be another big expense. Fuel, bus tickets, or even train tickets — plus food and accommodation if the prison is far away — can make visits difficult and expensive.

4. Sending Letters and Packages Mailing letters, photos, or approved care packages also costs money. Plus, some prisons only allow certain types of items, which may be more expensive than regular ones.

5. Emotional Costs While not a money cost, it’s important to think about the emotional toll. When families can’t afford to stay in touch, it can lead to feelings of sadness, loneliness, and stress for both the inmate and their loved ones.

   
   

How Connect4Less Can Help

One way to lower call costs is to get a local landline number for your loved one to call — even if you only have a mobile phone. That’s exactly what Connect4Less does. By giving you a local landline number, your loved one can call you for much cheaper rates, helping you save money and stay connected.

Staying in touch with someone in prison shouldn’t be so expensive. With a little planning and the right tools, you can cut costs and make sure your loved one doesn’t feel alone. After all, staying connected helps keep hope alive — for both of you.