How Phone Calls Work from Iowa State Penitentiary (and What They Cost)

You can't call someone directly at Iowa State Penitentiary. The system doesn't accept incoming calls to incarcerated individuals - all phone contact starts with the person inside calling you.

Before they can call you, your phone number has to be on their approved calling list. If it's not, the call simply won't connect. Make sure they have your correct number - including area code - and that they've added it before you wait by the phone.

Local, intrastate, and interstate calls cost $0.06 per minute (effective May 1, 2025). International rates vary - the $0.06/minute rate applies only to U.S. calls.

Curious where the money goes? Iowa law requires the Department to maintain an inmate telephone fund. The Board of Corrections directs those proceeds toward inmate-related benefits - things like legal services, religious accommodations, education, and victim services.

S4

• ✓ Make sure the inmate has your correct phone number added to their approved calling list before you expect a call.
• ✓ Plan around the published rate: local, intrastate, and interstate calls are $0.06 per minute (effective May 1, 2025).
• ✓ If you’re outside the U.S. or expecting an international call, be prepared for different pricing since international rates vary.

The key thing to remember: this system is one-way. You can't call in to reach someone at Iowa State Penitentiary. They can only call numbers already on their approved list. Once your number is set up, budgeting gets easier - local, intrastate, and interstate calls run $0.06 per minute under rates effective May 1, 2025.