Inmate Phone Calls — Ask the Inmate
Prison phone calls are one of the most important lifelines between an incarcerated person and their family, and one of the most expensive. The prison phone industry has historically operated as a near-monopoly charging rates that few other consumer services would get away with. This section covers how the prison phone system works, why rates are so high and what has changed in recent years, how debit calling accounts function, how to get a number approved on an inmate's call list, how InmateAid's local number service reduces call costs by up to 70 percent, and what international callers need to know about reaching a US facility from another country. The questions answered here come from families who are paying too much for calls and from inmates trying to navigate phone access from inside. Understanding how the system works is the first step toward getting the most contact for the least cost. See also our sections on Money Transfer and Commissary.
Related InmateAid Services
Probably by postcard would be the most reliable.
Read moreDepending on the type of facility, there would be a delay for the inmate in the form of an orientation period, for instance, county inmates can often call right away. Usually, this is about a week from the time they arrive. This pertains mostly to federal or state inmates,
Read moreThere is a Cancellation button next to your phone number on your Account Dashboard. Click it and it's cancelled.
Read moreYou cannot call into the facility to speak with an inmate. The inmate must call you. Depending on where they are incarcerated, the call price can be VERY expensive. If you would like more specifics, please email us the location of your inmate and your telephone number and we will give you an honest estimate of the call price and potential savings using the InmateAid Discount Phone Service
Read moreNo, inmates cannot receive calls. Inmates may only make outbound calls to phone numbers on their approved calling list. They must have money on their account to connect the call. Inmates may also call you "collect", although this is the most expensive way to receive calls. Click here to set up an account
Read moreYes, that is the only way an inmate may communicate by phone because they cannot receive an incoming phone call.
Read moreDepends on where your inmate is. Federal, the approval is instant. State prisons require a little more time. County there is no approval list, the inmate just dials out if they have money on their books.
Read moreUnfortunately no, the inmate must have money on their books for them to make an outbound call to you.
Read moreNo. if they have access, they are looking for more charges added to their case.
Read moreIt took about a week to get everything approved and set up
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