Frequently Asked Questions

I.C.T. is a sponsor-funded AI-powered research service that empowers incarcerated individuals by delivering timely information on topics like education, law, finance, health, and self-help. Research is securely delivered through eMessaging platforms like JPay and Securus, in full compliance with facility rules.

Any incarcerated individual in a New York State DOCCS facility who has access to JPay or Securus messaging can be enrolled as a Sponsored Member by a friend, family member, or supporter. This helps ensure the service is used responsibly and in accordance with regulations.

Sponsors—usually friends or family—start by selecting and purchasing a plan for their chosen Sponsored Member using our secure Stripe checkout system. After payment is completed, they are automatically redirected to a secure intake form to provide details about the Sponsored Member. Once the form is submitted, our team verifies the facility and messaging platform, and services begin within 1–2 business days.

We handle a wide range of general and legal topics, including: • Educational material • Legal information (informational only—not advice) • Reentry prep • Financial literacy • Current events • Health and wellness • Sports • Stocks • Spirituality, self-help, and more…

No. I.C.T. is not a law firm and does not offer legal advice. All legal content is AI-generated and informational only. We recommend that any legal material be reviewed by a licensed attorney.

All search responses are summarized and securely delivered to Sponsored Members via JPay or Securus messaging—within 24 hours of submission.

• Basic Plan Allows 10 General AI Searches per week, with a total of 40 General AI Searches per month. Sponsored Members may submit up to 6 search requests per day. Unused AI search requests do not roll over weekly or monthly. • Advanced Plan Allows 20 General AI Searches per week, with a total of 80 General AI Searches per month. Sponsored Members may submit up to 6 search requests per day. Unused AI search requests do not roll over weekly or monthly. • Premium Plan Allows 30 General AI Searches per week, with a total of 120 General AI Searches per month. Sponsored Members may submit up to 6 search requests per day. Unused AI search requests do not roll over weekly or monthly.

All members are encouraged to submit their search requests Monday through Friday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM EST for processing. Our standard policy is a 24-hour turnaround for each request, with results delivered directly to the Sponsored Member’s JPay or Securus inbox. Any requests submitted after these hours may be processed the next business day. Please note that we are not responsible for delays caused by DOCCS, JPay, or Securus.

Inappropriate, disrespectful, or noncompliant messages will result in termination of the research relationship with the Friend Researcher, and no refund will be issued. I.C.T. is committed to professionalism and compliance with DOCCS and platform rules.

Yes. As with all communications via JPay or Securus, facility administrators and prosecutors may have access. This is why no legal strategy, confidential advice, or third-party names are ever included in messages.

Currently, we only serve New York State DOCCS facilities, but we are exploring future expansion.

No. All research requests must come from the Sponsored Members. Sponsors may manage subscriptions and billing, but cannot access member content or control submissions.

No. Incarcerated Individuals do not create accounts, sign up, or enter into any commercial agreements with our company. All services are sponsor-funded and managed externally. Once a sponsor establishes an account, the Incarcerated Individual may submit permissible informational requests to their assigned Friend Researcher through permitted communication channels, in accordance with facility rules and platform terms.

No. I.C.T. Inmate Connect Tools is not a law firm, medical provider, financial institution, or licensed expert in any field. We do not provide legal advice, medical guidance, or financial planning. Our research team uses publicly available data and AI-powered tools to deliver educational and informational summaries. All information provided—whether legal, health-related, financial, or otherwise—is intended to support independent research and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with licensed professionals. We strongly encourage all Sponsors and Sponsored Members to seek advice from qualified experts before acting on any research content we deliver.

To upgrade or downgrade a Sponsored Member’s subscription, simply purchase the new plan you want. Our system automatically recognizes upgrades/downgrades as long as the DIN number is entered EXACTLY as it was entered on the original subscription (e.g., 00A0000). Once the new plan is purchased, the old plan is automatically canceled and replaced.

To cancel a subscription, please visit our website and go to the Contact Us page. Fill out the support ticket form and, under Reason for Contact, select “Cancel Subscription.” In the message section, state that you would like to cancel and include the Sponsored Member’s Name, DIN Number, and the Invoice Number from your subscription receipt (sent to you by email at purchase). The Invoice Number is required for processing cancellations through this form. If you cannot provide the Invoice Number, we will need to verify your purchase manually. This process takes longer, but our financial department will contact you to complete the verification once you indicate that you do not have the Invoice Number.

All payments are final. ICT memberships are non-refundable, as research work and informational content are delivered immediately and cannot be returned. In rare cases where a refund is issued, processing fees are non-refundable. Sponsors acknowledge and agree to our refund policy at checkout prior to enrollment.