Do you still need to fund inmate phone account

Yes, you still need to set up and fund an account with the facility’s phone provider, even if you are using an InmateAid local number.

The local number you received from InmateAid does not replace the jail or prison phone system. It simply gives your inmate a local number to call instead of a long distance one, which lowers the cost per call.

Here is how it works:

• You get a local number from InmateAid
• You set up a separate account with the facility’s phone carrier using that number
• You add funds to that account
• Your inmate calls the new number at a local rate

If you heard a recording asking for money, it means the phone carrier account tied to that number has not been funded yet or is not fully set up.

Important points:

• Do not use your old long distance account
• Make sure the new number is registered with the correct phone provider
• Add funds to that specific account

Once everything is set up correctly, the calls will go through at the lower local rate instead of expensive long distance charges.