Benefits advice for prisoners
How a prison stay affects benefits
Tax credits and other benefits are affected if you or a member of your family is in prison. Some benefits cannot be paid at all, others may be suspended and arrears paid on release. There are also issues to consider if an alternative sentence to prison has been given.
If the prisoner is a tenant (including of private rented accommodation), Housing Benefit may continue for a temporary period of 13 or 52 weeks – depending on whether you are on remand or are serving a sentence.
Going into prison can also affect any family left behind, who may need to claim in their own right.
Notify benefit authorities
It is important to inform all the offices that pay your benefits as soon as you or a member of your family enter or leave prison. This will avoid any underpayment or overpayment of benefit.
Jobcentre Plus usually has a liaison person in the prison who interviews you soon after your arrival to check your benefit situation.
If you are on remand and then receive a custodial sentence, it is important to notify the benefit authorities straight away. Don't assume that the prison service will do this for you.
The benefit rules are complex, so please contact the Welfare Rights Service for further information and advice on how a prison stay affects benefits and tax credits.