What Times Can Inmates Make Phone Calls?

Phone access varies by facility type, but most prisons and jails allow calls during waking hours, generally from 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM. Breaks throughout the day are common, and access can be restricted at any time at the facility's discretion.

County jails operate a little differently. Some have phones directly in the cells or housing units, which means calling can happen around the clock without a set schedule. Others follow the same structured hours as larger facilities. If you are not sure about the specific schedule at your inmate's facility, calling the jail directly and asking about phone hours for their housing unit is the fastest way to get an accurate answer.

As for letting your inmate know when you are available to accept calls, the most reliable method is through a letter. Write down the times you are typically reachable and make sure he has that information. Once a routine is established, most families settle into a predictable calling schedule naturally.

If calls are happening regularly, the cost adds up fast. InmateAid's discount telephone service gives your inmate a local number to dial, which brings the per-minute rate down significantly from standard long distance rates. Families using the service routinely save hundreds of dollars a month. It is worth looking into early rather than after you have already spent more than you needed to.