For families and friends of those in UK prisons, maintaining regular contact is a fundamental part of providing support. It is a lifeline that helps to preserve relationships, reduce re-offending rates, and provide a sense of hope and stability for all involved. However, this vital connection comes at a significant financial cost. The high price of phone calls from a prison often becomes a major and unexpected financial burden, draining a prisoner's limited funds and forcing families to spend a considerable amount simply to keep in touch. This guide is designed to shed light on this issue and introduce a powerful tool that can help alleviate this strain: the prison call savings calculator. We will explore how these calculators work, the core principles that make them so effective, and the profound impact that even small, consistent savings can have on the lives of families across the country.

The cost of a single phone call may seem negligible, but when multiplied by the frequency of daily or weekly contact, the expenditure can become staggering. For a prisoner, the cost is deducted from their 'PIN' credit—money earned through prison work or topped up by family on the outside. Every penny of this credit is precious, and high call costs mean that the funds are depleted quickly, limiting the number of times they can speak to their loved ones. For the recipient of the call, the anxiety over a loved one's well-being is often compounded by the stress of knowing that every ring is a deduction from their limited resources. This is where modern solutions come in, and understanding how much you could save is the first step towards a more sustainable and less stressful way of staying connected.

Why the Cost is So High

To truly appreciate the value of a savings calculator, one must first understand the fundamental economics of a prison phone call. The UK prison system operates on a pay-as-you-go model for inmates. Prisoners use a unique PIN to access a payphone, and the cost of the call is deducted from the credit on their account. The price per minute of a call from prison is not uniform; it varies significantly depending on the type of number being dialled.

The key distinction is between calling a fixed-line number (a landline) and a mobile number. The difference in cost is stark and is the central reason why so many families find themselves struggling with the financial pressure of keeping in touch. While costs can vary between prisons and providers, the general rule is that calls to mobile phones are charged at a much higher rate. For example, a call to a mobile might cost a prisoner upwards of 18 pence per minute, while a call to a landline could be as low as 6 to 8 pence per minute. This discrepancy is the core of the problem. In an age where most people rely almost exclusively on their mobile phones, this pricing structure forces families to either accept a lower amount of contact or to top up the prisoner’s account more frequently and at a higher cost.

Furthermore, the duration of calls is often a critical factor. Short, frequent calls can quickly eat into a prisoner's credit. A five-minute call to a mobile, for instance, could cost an inmate around 90 pence. If they make two such calls a day, that adds up to a staggering £1.80 per day, or over £50 per month, simply for a few minutes of conversation. When you put these figures into perspective, it becomes clear why a solution that cuts the cost per minute is not just a convenience, but a necessity.

Your Virtual Landline Number

Find Out How Much You Could Save on Prison Calls: A Deep Dive into the Savings CalculatorIntroduction: The Financial Strain of Staying ConnectedFor families and friends of those in UK prisons, maintaining regular contact is a fundamental part of providing support. It is a lifeline that helps to preserve relationships, reduce re-offending rates, and provide a sense of hope and stability for all involved. However, this vital connection comes at a significant financial cost. The high price of phone calls from a prison often becomes a major and unexpected financial burden, draining a prisoner's limited funds and forcing families to spend a considerable amount simply to keep in touch. This guide is designed to shed light on this issue and introduce a powerful tool that can help alleviate this strain: the prison call savings calculator. We will explore how these calculators work, the core principles that make them so effective, and the profound impact that even small, consistent savings can have on the lives of families across the country.

The cost of a single phone call may seem negligible, but when multiplied by the frequency of daily or weekly contact, the expenditure can become staggering. For a prisoner, the cost is deducted from their 'PIN' credit—money earned through prison work or topped up by family on the outside. Every penny of this credit is precious, and high call costs mean that the funds are depleted quickly, limiting the number of times they can speak to their loved ones. For the recipient of the call, the anxiety over a loved one's well-being is often compounded by the stress of knowing that every ring is a deduction from their limited resources. This is where modern solutions come in, and understanding how much you could save is the first step towards a more sustainable and less stressful way of staying connected.The Economics of a Prison Phone Call: Why the Cost is So HighTo truly appreciate the value of a savings calculator, one must first understand the fundamental economics of a prison phone call. The UK prison system operates on a pay-as-you-go model for inmates. Prisoners use a unique PIN to access a payphone, and the cost of the call is deducted from the credit on their account. The price per minute of a call from prison is not uniform; it varies significantly depending on the type of number being dialled.

The key distinction is between calling a fixed-line number (a landline) and a mobile number. The difference in cost is stark and is the central reason why so many families find themselves struggling with the financial pressure of keeping in touch. While costs can vary between prisons and providers, the general rule is that calls to mobile phones are charged at a much higher rate. For example, a call to a mobile might cost a prisoner upwards of 18 pence per minute, while a call to a landline could be as low as 6 to 8 pence per minute. This discrepancy is the core of the problem. In an age where most people rely almost exclusively on their mobile phones, this pricing structure forces families to either accept a lower amount of contact or to top up the prisoner’s account more frequently and at a higher cost.Furthermore, the duration of calls is often a critical factor. Short, frequent calls can quickly eat into a prisoner's credit. A five-minute call to a mobile, for instance, could cost an inmate around 90 pence. If they make two such calls a day, that adds up to a staggering £1.80 per day, or over £50 per month, simply for a few minutes of conversation. When you put these figures into perspective, it becomes clear why a solution that cuts the cost per minute is not just a convenience, but a necessity.

The Solution: A Virtual Landline NumberThe foundation of any prison call savings calculator is the concept of a virtual landline number. This is a brilliant piece of technology that works by leveraging the prison system's existing pricing structure. A virtual landline is a UK-based, geographic phone number (starting with 01 or 02) that is not tied to a physical landline. Instead, it is a service that is linked to your existing mobile phone.The process is remarkably simple. A family member signs up with a service provider and is allocated a unique virtual landline number. This number, which looks and feels like a regular landline number, is then given to the prisoner. The prisoner adds this new number to their approved call list. Once approved, when the prisoner dials this number from their prison phone, they are charged the significantly lower landline rate. The call is then automatically and seamlessly forwarded to the family member's mobile phone. The prisoner benefits from the cheaper rate, and the family member benefits from the convenience of receiving the call on their mobile, no matter where they are.This simple redirection technology is what enables the massive savings. It effectively tricks the prison’s billing system into charging the lower rate for a call that is, in reality, connecting to a mobile. For the family, there is no need to purchase a new device, a new SIM card, or change their existing phone service. It is a clever, simple, and highly effective way to work within the existing system to achieve a better outcome for all involved.

Our Savings Calculator

The savings calculator is an interactive tool that quantifies the financial benefits of using a virtual landline service. Its primary purpose is to move the conversation from abstract concepts of "saving money" to concrete, verifiable figures. It transforms a vague hope of reduced costs into a tangible number that can be budgeted for.

While the design of a calculator can vary between service providers, they all function on the same basic principles. The user inputs two key pieces of information:

‍Estimated Total Minutes:
This is the average number of minutes you currently receive from the prisoner each month. This is a crucial input, as the savings are directly proportional to the amount of time spent on the phone. It forces a person to be honest about their current communication habits.

‍Current Cost per Minute:
This is the current rate the prisoner is paying for calls to your mobile. This figure is often a fixed rate set by the prison's telecommunication provider.Once these figures are entered, the calculator does the rest. It uses the known, lower rate for calls to a virtual landline and applies it to the total minutes you provided. The result is a clear breakdown of your estimated monthly expenditure now versus what it would be with the service. The difference is your total monthly savings.

For example, let's imagine a prisoner spends a total of 250 minutes a month on the phone with their family. If they are paying the standard 18p per minute to call a mobile, their total monthly cost is £45.00. Now, let's assume a virtual landline service charges the prisoner the much lower rate of 8p per minute for the same call. The new total monthly cost for the prisoner would be just £20.00. The calculator would show a clear saving of £25.00 per month. This simple, visual representation of the numbers makes the financial benefits impossible to ignore.

Putting the Numbers into Perspective

The power of the savings calculator lies in its ability to show not just monthly savings, but the long-term cumulative effect. A saving of £25.00 per month may seem modest on its own, but when viewed over a longer period, it tells a much more compelling story.

‍Over 6 Months: A monthly saving of £25.00 adds up to £150.00.
‍Over a Year: This figure doubles to a total of £300.00.
‍Over a Five-Year Sentence: The total savings could be as high as £1,500.00.These figures are not just abstract numbers.

They represent real, tangible money that can be used for other essential purposes. That £1,500 could be a significant contribution towards a holiday fund for the family, a deposit on a rental property upon release, or even a fund for a child's education. It is money that can ease the financial pressure on the family and be used for positive, life-affirming goals instead of simply disappearing into the cost of phone calls. The calculator serves as a tool for financial planning, helping families to visualise a future where staying connected does not have to come with a heavy price tag.

The Non-Financial Benefits

While the financial savings are the headline benefit, the true value of these services extends far beyond a simple reduction in cost. The ability to communicate more freely and more often has a profound, positive impact on the well-being of both the prisoner and their loved ones.

‍Reduced Stress:
The financial strain of keeping in touch is a major source of stress and anxiety. By removing this burden, a family can focus on the emotional aspects of the conversation, rather than the ticking clock of the cost.

‍Increased Communication:
With cheaper calls, a prisoner's credit lasts longer, which means they can make more frequent calls. This allows for more regular check-ins, provides a greater sense of continuity, and helps to maintain the bond that is so vital for their rehabilitation.

‍Greater Peace of Mind:
For a family member on the outside, knowing they can receive a call at any time on their mobile phone, without worrying about the cost, provides a significant sense of relief and security.

The savings calculator is, therefore, not just a tool for finance; it is a gateway to a better, more supportive, and less stressful way of staying connected. It is a symbol of how technology can be harnessed to address a systemic problem and make a tangible difference in the lives of real people.

A Final Word of Advice

When you are ready to explore your savings, remember to do your research. While the principle of the savings calculator is consistent, the specific pricing and features of different providers can vary. Look for a service that is transparent with its pricing, has a good reputation for reliability, and offers responsive customer support. The goal is to find a service that not only saves you money but also provides a reliable and seamless connection.

Support for Families

The emotional toll on families of prisoners is immense. The feelings of isolation, shame, and helplessness are common. It is vital to seek out support for yourself during this period. You are not alone, and there are organisations dedicated to helping you.The Prisoners' Families Helpline is a confidential and free service that provides emotional support, advice, and information on various topics, from legal issues to prison procedures. They are a first point of contact for many families feeling overwhelmed and in need of guidance.There are also numerous local and online support groups, such as the "Call From Prison Facebook Group," where families can connect with others going through similar experiences. Sharing stories and advice in a supportive environment can be a powerful antidote to the isolation that often comes with this situation.

How Prison Call can help

Prison Call is a simple service that helps families save money and stay connected. Many inmates are only allowed to call landlines—or calling mobiles costs them significantly more. But many people don’t have landlines anymore.

With Prison Call, you get a virtual landline number that forwards calls directly to your mobile. To the prison system, it looks like a regular landline—so your loved one can call it at a cheaper rate. You don’t need to change your phone, provider, or SIM. It's easy to set up and helps prisoners stretch their limited phone credit further.

Families also get the peace of mind of never missing a call again. And if your loved one moves prisons, they can keep calling the same number as long as it's on their approved list.

The prison call savings calculator is a powerful and practical tool that can help families transform the financial burden of keeping in touch into a manageable and sustainable part of their lives. By understanding the core principles behind the savings, you can make an informed decision that will have a positive impact on both your financial well-being and, more importantly, the strength of your relationship with your loved one in prison. It is a tool of empowerment, providing families with the knowledge and the means to take back control and ensure that the lifeline of a phone call is never severed by cost.