How Long Before an Inmate Can Make Phone Calls After Being Transferred to a New Facility

Being transferred to a new facility always creates a temporary communication gap and it is one of the most stressful periods for families waiting to hear from their loved one.

After transfer the inmate goes through an intake and processing period at the new facility before phone access is restored. During this time they are being assessed, assigned to a housing unit, and set up in the new facility's systems including their phone account.

The approved call list from their previous facility does not automatically transfer. Your number needs to be re-added and re-approved at the new facility. That process is handled by the inmate's newly assigned case manager.

In most cases phone access is restored within one to two weeks of arrival. How quickly it happens depends largely on how fast the case manager processes the intake paperwork and sets up the inmate's account. Some case managers move quickly. Others have heavy caseloads and the process takes longer.

There is very little you can do to speed this up from the outside. However calling the new facility directly and asking to speak with the inmate's case manager is always worth trying. Politely confirming that your number is on the approved call list and asking about the expected timeline for phone access can sometimes accelerate the process.

In the meantime sending a letter through InmateAid is the fastest way to let your loved one know you are aware of the transfer, you know where they are, and you are waiting for their call. That letter arriving at mail call during an otherwise disorienting intake period means more than you might imagine.