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Phone Calls at Elmira Correctional Facility

Free as of August 2025, plus JPay tablet messaging.

Overview

New York changed its prison phone system in 2025. Calls placed from Elmira are now free for both the caller and the person receiving the call, with each person getting 3 free calls a week, up to 15 minutes each. Everyone there also has access to JPay tablet messaging for photos and videograms.

Quick Facts

Calls placed by the person at Elmira are free as of August 1, 2025.
Each person gets 3 free calls a week, up to 15 minutes each. Extra calls that week can run up to 30 minutes.
Calls can only go to numbers on the approved list, which holds up to 15 numbers.
Calls run daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM and are recorded and monitored.
JPay tablet messaging is available for photos, messages, and videograms; set up an account at jpay.com or call 1-800-574-5729.

Phone Calls

Calls placed from Elmira are free for both sides as of August 1, 2025. Each person gets 3 free calls a week, up to 15 minutes each, with extra calls in the same week capped at 30 minutes. Calls run daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM and only go to numbers on the person’s approved list of up to 15 contacts. All calls are recorded and monitored, and call forwarding or three-way calls aren’t allowed.

Tablet Messaging and Videograms

Everyone at Elmira has access to a tablet through the Incarcerated Individual Tablet Program. JPay runs the network. Set up an account at jpay.com or call 1-800-574-5729 to send messages and photos, or pay for a videogram. Stamps cover the cost of each message. DOCCS screens every message and won’t print emails for anyone in custody.

Restricted Numbers

DOCCS blocks calls to certain numbers by default, including the homes of crime victims, jurors and judges from the case, and current or former DOCCS and law enforcement employees, unless the person being called is immediate family. If you don’t want calls from someone in custody, write to the facility to be added to their negative correspondence list.

Families Also Ask

5 of 5 questions

Do families have to pay for calls from Elmira Correctional Facility?

No. As of August 1, 2025, calls placed by people in DOCCS custody are free under the state's Call-Home program. You don't need to fund a Securus account to receive calls.

Phone Calls

How many calls can my loved one make each week?

Each person gets 3 free calls a week, up to 15 minutes each. Extra calls that week can run up to 30 minutes. Calls happen daily between 7:00 AM and 11:00 PM.

Phone Calls

How do I get added to the approved call list?

Only the person in custody can add or remove numbers, generally when they meet with their Offender Rehabilitation Coordinator each quarter. There's a maximum of 15 numbers on the list at one time.

Phone Calls

Can I send messages or photos through a tablet?

Yes. Elmira issues tablets through JPay under the Incarcerated Individual Tablet Program. Set up a JPay account at jpay.com or call 1-800-574-5729 to send messages, photos, and videograms. Every message is screened before delivery.

Tablet Messaging

Can I call an incarcerated person directly?

No. People in DOCCS custody can't receive incoming calls. If there's an emergency, call the facility at (607) 734-3901 and ask for the person's Offender Rehabilitation Coordinator, the Chaplain, or the Watch Commander.

Phone Calls