Reviewed on: May 04,2026
Inmate Phone Calls

Can I Use Unused Phone Service Minutes in a Later Month?

If you pay for phone service and don't use it that month can you use it a different minth

The standard policy is that minutes do not carry over from one month to the next.
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Answered by a former federal inmate · 14+ years advising families
✓ Verified answer November 25,2019 · Inmate Phone Calls
1

The standard policy is that minutes do not carry over from one month to the next. InmateAid's phone service runs on a month to month basis and each billing cycle resets regardless of how many minutes were used in the previous period. Unused minutes from one month do not accumulate into the next.

That said, if there was a legitimate reason the service went unused, whether a transfer, a stretch in the hole with no phone access, a medical situation, or something else that genuinely prevented calls from happening, InmateAid has made exceptions in the past and extended a complimentary month to account for it. The key is reaching out and explaining the situation. A polite email to aid@inmateaid.com with a straightforward explanation of why the month was lost goes a long way. The team is not looking to take money for a service that could not be used through no fault of your own.

The no carry over policy is worth knowing upfront so you can plan around it. If you know your inmate is going into the hole, facing a transfer, or otherwise going to be without phone access for an extended period, it may make sense to pause the service rather than paying for a month that will go unused. Reach out to InmateAid before the billing date and they can advise on the best approach for your specific situation.

Accepted Answer Date Created: November 25,2019
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About this answer: This response was prepared by InmateAid’s editorial team in consultation with former inmates who have direct experience with the federal correctional system. InmateAid has served families of the incarcerated since 2012. This is general information only — not legal advice. Last reviewed May 2026.