Phone Calls from Anamosa: How Inmate Calls Work and What They Cost

The Iowa Department of Corrections doesn't allow incoming calls to inmates. You can't dial the prison and get connected to your loved one. Instead, they have to call out - and before they can do that, they need to add your phone number to their approved calling list. If your number isn't on that list, their calls won't go through to you, no matter how available you are.

The rate most families care about: $0.06 per minute for local, intrastate, and interstate calls. These rates went into effect May 1, 2025, so if you've heard different numbers from others, that's your reference point for current pricing.

Calling internationally? Don't assume the same $0.06 rate. International rates vary based on the destination, so costs will differ.

Ever wondered where the money from inmate phone calls goes? Iowa law spells it out. Under Iowa Code Chapter 904.508A, the Department maintains an inmate telephone fund, and those proceeds must be used for the benefit of inmates.

The Iowa Board of Corrections provides guidance on how that fund gets spent. According to the DOC, offender benefits include legal services, religious accommodations, education, and victim services.

Practical Tips

• ✓ Confirm the incarcerated person has added your phone number to their approved calling list before you expect calls.
• ✓ Ask your loved one what steps they need to take on their end to keep phone time funded (for example, how they add credits to their phone account through the DOC phone system guidance).

If phone calls aren't working - whether it's scheduling conflicts, access issues, or the frustration of missed connections - try another option. Video visits can be a solid backup when coordinating calls proves difficult.