Penmate Inmate Support Guides
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How to Register Your Phone Number to Receive Calls from a Neal Unit Inmate

• 2 min read • tdcj.texas.gov
How to Register Your Phone Number to Receive Calls from a Neal Unit Inmate

Want to receive phone calls from someone at the Neal Unit? You'll need to register your phone number first. Once it's on file, your loved one can call you through the TDCJ inmate telephone system.

What You Need

  • ✓ The inmate’s TDCJ ID number

Don't have the inmate's TDCJ ID number? Look it up using the online inmate search. You can also call (936) 295-6371 or (800) 535-0283 for help.

Register your number online through the Texas Inmate Telephone Friends & Family Enrollment option, or do it by phone. For live help with the process, call (866) 806-7804.

Running into issues that seem like a TDCJ phone-system problem? Email offenderphones@tdcj.texas.gov for help from the Inmate Technology/phone office.

How to Register Your Phone Number to Receive Calls from a Neal Unit Inmate

Inmate phones are typically available from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (midnight). Calling windows can shift based on unit conditions, so expect occasional changes.

Each call is limited to 30 minutes. You'll hear an automated warning one minute before disconnection - enough time to wrap up and exchange any last details.

Calls are monitored and recorded. The exception: calls to the inmate's attorney of record.

  • ✓ Allowed: home landline numbers
  • ✓ Allowed: post-paid cell phones
  • ✓ Allowed: pre-paid cell phones
  • ✓ Not allowed: internet-service numbers
  • ✓ Not allowed: 800 numbers
  • ✓ Not allowed: business numbers
  • ✓ Not allowed: pay phones
  • ✓ Not allowed: international numbers

Note: TDCJ materials list different hours for help lines - sometimes 8 a.m.–4 p.m., sometimes 8 a.m.–5 p.m., or 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Verify the hours when you call.

  1. Call the vendor support line - Use (866) 806-7804 for registration help, and ask what hours they’re currently answering calls.
  2. If you still need help, email the TDCJ phone office - Send your question to offenderphones@tdcj.texas.gov, especially if the issue seems system-related.
  3. Use the ID-lookup numbers if you’re stuck at the start - If the problem is simply not having the TDCJ ID number, call (936) 295-6371 or (800) 535-0283 and confirm the best time to reach someone.

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