Reviewed on: April 02,2026
Inmate Phone Calls

Does My Discount Phone Number Expire If Not Used Right Away?

I signed up for the discount telephone a few months ago and by the time my brother was able to get the number approved I think the time ran out. Do I need to sign up again or can I have the money I paid applied now? Please advise. He finally got that number approved so I will put money on that number. He is in DOC in New Jersey. ADTC. Thank you, Anita N

Your number does not expire just because it took a while to get approved at the facility.
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Answered by a former federal inmate · 14+ years advising families
✓ Verified answer July 15,2013 · Inmate Phone Calls
1

Your number does not expire just because it took a while to get approved at the facility. Once your account is active and in good standing, the number stays live on a monthly billing cycle regardless of whether your inmate has started using it yet.

Facility approval can take time. Some jails and prisons process new numbers quickly, others take weeks, and in some cases the inmate has to submit the number through the proper channels and wait for it to clear. That delay is on the facility's end and has no effect on your account status with InmateAid.

Once the number is approved and your brother is ready to start calling, he simply dials it the same way he would any other approved number on his list. The monthly charge covers the line itself, so there is nothing additional you need to do to reactivate or reinstate it.

If you are ever unsure about your account status, billing cycle, or whether a number is still active, reach out to InmateAid directly. Account questions get resolved quickly and we can confirm everything is in order before your inmate attempts a call.

Accepted Answer Date Created: July 15,2013
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About this answer: This response was prepared by InmateAid’s editorial team in consultation with former inmates who have direct experience with the federal correctional system. InmateAid has served families of the incarcerated since 2012. This is general information only — not legal advice. Last reviewed April 2026.