Reviewed on: March 30,2026
Inmate Phone Calls

I Received My InmateAid Discount Phone Number. Can My Inmate Call Me on It Now?

I received a text of an InmateAid Discount phone number. Does that mean the inmate i give this number to can call me?

Receiving your new InmateAid discount phone number means your account is set up and ready.
Ask The Inmate
Answered by a former federal inmate · 14+ years advising families
✓ Verified answer July 13,2025 · Inmate Phone Calls
1

Receiving your new InmateAid discount phone number means your account is set up and ready. That is great news. However there is one more step before your inmate can actually call you on it.

Your inmate needs to add the new number to their approved call list at the facility before any calls can go through. Until that number is approved by the facility it will not connect even if your inmate tries to dial it.

Here is how to make that happen.

Let your inmate know the new number as soon as possible. You can do this during an existing call on their current number, through a letter, or during a visit. Give them the complete number including area code.

Once they have the number they need to submit it to their case manager or enter it through the facility's phone kiosk depending on how that facility handles approved call list requests. The approval process typically takes anywhere from 24 hours to two weeks depending on the facility.

Once the number is approved and active on their list your inmate can call it directly and you will receive the call at whatever phone you have associated with that number. From that point forward every call they make to your new number will be billed at the lower local rate rather than the standard long distance rate.

If you have any trouble getting set up or your inmate is having difficulty adding the number contact InmateAid at aid@inmateaid.com and we will help you work through it.

Accepted Answer Date Created: July 13,2025
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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 March 2026.