Can I Call My Inmate Directly and When Can They Call Me

You cannot call your inmate directly. This is one of the most important things to understand about staying in contact with someone who is incarcerated.

All calls must be initiated by the inmate from inside the facility. There is no number you can dial to reach them directly. The phone system in correctional facilities is outbound only for inmates.

When your inmate can call depends on several factors.

First they must have money on their phone account. Without funds available they cannot make any calls regardless of the time. InmateAid's Send Money service can help you put funds on their account so they are ready to call when phone time is available.

Second your number must be on their approved call list. Most facilities require inmates to submit numbers for approval through their case manager or the facility phone kiosk. Approval can take anywhere from 24 hours to two weeks depending on the facility. Until your number is approved calls cannot go through.

Third phone access is governed by the facility's schedule. Most facilities designate specific times during the day when inmates have access to housing unit phones. These windows vary by facility and by housing unit. Your inmate will know their specific schedule once they are settled in their unit.

If you want to reduce what those calls cost when they do come through, InmateAid's discount phone service may be able to lower your per minute rate significantly depending on your location relative to the facility.