Do inmates get any free calls in prison?

It depends entirely on the state and the facility, but yes, some systems have moved to free calls for inmates.

New York and Pennsylvania are two of the most notable examples. The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision eliminated charges for calls made from state prisons, making them free for both the inmate and the person receiving the call. Pennsylvania's DOC followed a similar path. These policy shifts were driven by years of advocacy around the financial burden that prison phone costs place on families, who are overwhelmingly the ones absorbing the expense.

A growing number of states and counties have moved in this direction, particularly at the local jail level where the push for free calls has gained significant momentum. San Francisco, Los Angeles, and several other major jurisdictions eliminated jail phone charges entirely in recent years, recognizing that keeping families connected reduces recidivism and benefits everyone involved.

That said, free calls are far from universal. The federal Bureau of Prisons still charges for calls, as do most state systems and the majority of county jails. Rates vary widely and in systems where calls are still paid, the cost remains a significant burden for families trying to stay in contact.

If your loved one is in a state or county system you are not familiar with, it is worth looking up that specific jurisdiction's current phone policy. The landscape has been shifting quickly and what was true a year ago may have already changed. InmateAid can help you navigate the phone options available based on where your loved one is housed.