How to Call an Inmate in Illinois

Inmates cannot receive telephone calls, but they can make collect calls to those on their approved calling list. If you want to receive collect calls from an offender, you will need to write the offender and ask to be placed on the offender’s approved calling list.

Securus is the only service provider for inmate phone services being used by the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC). There are reports of friends and family setting up accounts with companies other than Securus for phone service with IDOC inmates. Please ensure that you are setting up accounts with Securus Technologies as accounts with other companies could be blocked.​​​​

Offenders have scheduled times when they can make collect calls, which are determined by their living unit’s schedule. All offender telephone calls are subject to monitoring and recording at any time by Departmental staff, unless prior special arrangements have been made to make or receive an unmonitored attorney call. 

If you wish to receive collect calls from offenders on a cell phone, you will need to call Securus to setup a prepaid account prior to accepting calls. If you have a landline phone, you may set up a prepaid account or a direct billing account. For collect or prepaid collect information, please call Securus at 1-800-844-6591.

When you receive a call from an inmate with this system, the following number will display for Caller ID: 1-866-718-4777.

Any questions regarding calls from inmates, please contact Securus Customer Service: 1-800-844-6591 or email customer services at: [email protected]

ADVANCE CONNECT

AdvanceConnect is a prepaid calling account that puts you in control, allowing you to manage how much you spend on inmate calling. Participation or initiation of three-way calls by inmates is strictly prohibited by IDOC rules, and will result in disciplinary action.

An AdvanceConnect account is a friend & family-owned prepaid calling account that allows you to receive collect calls from inmates/offenders and have the charges deducted automatically from your prepaid account. The prepaid AdvanceConnect account puts you in control of your spending and ensures you can receive calls from Illinois correctional facilities.

This account offers you the following benefits:

  • The maximum funding amount is up to $50.00 per transaction.
  • You are able to receive inmate calls as long as funds are available in your account.
  • You can add multiple phone numbers to your account so your loved one can reach your home phone, work phone, cell phone, other relatives, neighbors, friends, etc.
  • Calls will connect to cell phones (subject to facility restrictions).
  • You have 24/7/365 access to your account on our website or by contacting us via phone.

To fund your Advance Connect account online with a credit or debit card, you can visit the Securus website or call them at 1-800-844-6591.

When you use Western Union, you can fund your account with cash, credit/debit card, money order, or cashier’s check. Payments can easily be made in person or online using Western Union Quick Collect.

Instructions on Using Quick Collect:

The Receiver of the Quick Collect payment can be found under Select Other Billers and should be Securus.

Please follow the online prompts to complete the payment.

If you are not a registered user at Western Union you will be asked to register.

Instructions on Using Western Union Payment Form

In the Payment Information section you will be asked for Pay To, Code City and State:

Pay To: Securus

Code City: Securus

State: Texas

Please include your 6 or 7 digit Account number. If you are unsure of your Account number please sign in or call Securus at 1-800-844-6591.

To find a Western Union Agent location near you, click here.

DIRECT BILL

Direct Bill allows you to receive calls from inmates and have the call charges billed directly to you monthly from Securus Correctional Billing Services (SCBS). This account is best suited for attorneys, bail bondsmen, and friends & family of long-stay inmates. A credit check is required to qualify.

With verification or approved credit, you can receive an itemized monthly bill statement from SCBS for your calls. This account offers you the following benefits:

  • Itemized monthly bill statement of call activity
  • You can receive all the calls you need to, up to your credit limit
  • You can add multiple phone numbers to your account to ensure you receive all your calls
  • Calls will connect to cell phones (subject to facility restrictions)
  • You are able to receive inmate calls as long as your bill is paid in full by the due date
  • No minimum payment amount
  • You have 24/7/365 access to your account on our website or by contacting us via phone

NOTE: If you have received notice that a Direct Bill account was automatically opened for you, you will need to set up access to manage your account with Securus Online.

Payment options for Direct Bill are the exact same as Advance Connect, through Securus website or phone number, or through Western Union.

Blocking inmate calls

All collect calls coming from an IDOC inmate are announced where you have the ability to accept, block or receive a rate quote. You can also contact Securus (1-800-844-6591) to block inmate calls.

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