New York

After years of sustained advocacy from impacted families and community organizers, New York became the first state in July 2025 to make all prison and jail communication free administratively by including it in the DOC budget, covering phone calls, video calls, and electronic messages.

“It’s a win-win for everyone. For families, incarcerated people, correctional officers and public safety.”

BIANCA TYLEK, Executive Director,
Worth Rises

The policy took effect in August 2025 with unlimited calling and will save more than 30,000 incarcerated people and their families over $13 million annually.

The New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) announced phone calls will now be free for inmates across the state beginning Aug. 1, 2025

According to DOCCS, inmates are allowed three free calls per week, each up to 15-minutes long. Under the current agreement with Securus Technologies, the Department is able to provide phone service at a rate of $0.024 per minute for domestic and U.S. territory calls. 

Funding for the free phone service is available through DOCCS' operating budget.

New York now joins California, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Minnesota in providing free communication for inmates. 

DOCCS says the policy change aims to eliminate the financial barrier to communicate with family and loved ones and to promote positive behavior and successful reintegration once released back into the community.

"We recognize the critical role that strong family bonds play in an individual’s rehabilitation and long-term success after incarceration. By eliminating the financial burden associated with phone calls, we not only are removing a barrier to communication, but are actively promoting stronger connections between those in our care and their loved ones," said Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III in a press release. "Understanding the value of family ties while in prison is crucial – not only for emotional support, but for improving an individual’s outcomes while incarcerated and when returning to society, thus reducing recidivism. When incarcerated people maintain meaningful relationships, they are better positioned for success and therefore, this is a smart and effective step forward for the Department as we continue to work on initiatives that better serve our population and the community."