PICC Phone and Video Calls Through GettingOut

Step 1. Set Up a GettingOut Account

Go to gettingout.com/deposit to create and fund an account for phone calls, video visits, and messaging. This is entirely separate from the Access Corrections account used for commissary deposits, so you’ll need to fund each independently.

Step 2. Know What the Account Covers

The GettingOut account covers phone minutes, video visit sessions, and text-based messaging with the incarcerated person. It may also cover tablet entertainment funds if that applies at PICC.

What Calls Cost

Philadelphia’s Department of Prisons doesn’t publish a specific per-minute phone rate on its official site. Confirm current pricing directly through GettingOut before assuming a cost.

Monitoring and Recording

Philadelphia’s official pages don’t spell out a specific monitoring policy for PICC calls. Assume calls are monitored and recorded, which is standard for county jail phone systems, aside from privileged calls to an attorney.

Troubleshooting a Failed Call or Deposit

If a call isn’t connecting, check that your GettingOut account has funds and that the person’s account allows outgoing calls to your number. For a failed deposit or refund issue, write to ViaPath Technologies, ATTN: Refund Request, PO Box 95, Lake Butler, FL 32054-9901, and follow up at 866-640-5445 (Monday-Friday, 7 AM-3:30 PM ET) if you haven’t heard back within 30 days.

Alternatives to a Phone Call

If a call isn’t possible, GettingOut also offers messaging and video visits as alternatives, and an in-person visit can be scheduled online at visitpdp.org/app.

How Calls Are Typically Structured

Like most jail phone systems, calls are generally outbound only, meaning the incarcerated person calls you rather than you calling in directly. The person needs to add your number to their approved contact list on their end before a call can go through.

Removing a Number From the Approved List

If you no longer want to receive calls, this typically has to be handled by the incarcerated person removing you from their own contact list rather than something you can undo by blocking the number yourself, since blocking may not stop the call attempt from registering.

What Happens to Your Balance If They’re Transferred

If the person is transferred to a different Philadelphia Department of Prisons facility or into PA DOC state custody, ask GettingOut or the facility how a remaining balance is handled. A move into state custody means a different phone system entirely, since PA DOC uses Securus rather than GettingOut.

Setting Up Your GettingOut Account for the First Time

If this is your first time using GettingOut, have the incarcerated person’s full name and PPN number ready, along with a valid payment method. Keep your account login information accessible, since you’ll need it to add funds again or check your balance later.

Video Visit Scheduling

Video visits through GettingOut typically need to be scheduled in advance rather than started on demand, and draw from the same account balance as phone calls. Confirm the specific scheduling steps and any time limits directly through the platform.