Benefits for Specific Situations — Students, Carers, Veterans and MoreBenefits After Prison Release — Claiming Support When Leaving Prison
Guide to claiming benefits after prison release in the UK in 2026. Covers UC claims before release, advance payments, housing, resettlement support, and how to avoid a benefits gap.
Leaving prison without financial support can lead to a crisis. Here’s how to claim benefits and access support as early as possible.
Before Release
Claims You Can Make From Prison
| Benefit | When to Apply |
|---|
| Universal Credit | Up to 28 days before release date |
| Housing | Contact council before release through resettlement team |
| Bank account | Basic bank account can be set up before release |
| NI number | Confirm your NI number through prison records |
UC Pre-Release Claim
- Speak to the prison’s DWP work coach or resettlement team
- Start your UC claim up to 28 days before release
- Your claim date starts from your release date
- Request a UC advance to be available on release day
Resettlement Services
| Service | What They Do |
|---|
| Prison resettlement team | Benefits claims, housing referrals, ID documents |
| Probation service (Community Rehabilitation Company) | Employment support, supervision plans |
| NACRO | Resettlement advice and support |
| St Giles Trust | Employment and housing support |
| Salvation Army | Emergency accommodation and support |
| Shelter | Housing advice and referrals |
On Release Day
Priority Actions
| Priority | Action |
|---|
| 1 | Attend Jobcentre Plus appointment (if arranged) |
| 2 | Collect UC advance payment |
| 3 | Go to arranged accommodation |
| 4 | Register with a GP |
| 5 | Report to probation (if required) |
Benefits After Release
Universal Credit
| Feature | Detail |
|---|
| Standard allowance (single, 25+) | £393.45/month |
| Housing element | Based on rent and LHA rates |
| Work requirements | May be modified initially |
| UC advance | Up to 1 month’s UC, repaid over 24 months |
| First regular payment | Approximately 5 weeks after claim date |
Other Benefits
| Benefit | Availability |
|---|
| Housing Benefit (if not on UC) | Apply to local council |
| Council Tax Reduction | Apply to local council |
| Prescriptions | Free if on UC (or qualifying benefit) |
| Healthy Start | If you have children/pregnant partner |
| Child Benefit | Can reclaim if children return to your care |
Housing
Options After Release
| Housing Option | How to Access |
|---|
| Approved premises (probation hostel) | Arranged by probation for higher-risk cases |
| Council housing | Apply as homeless — may be in priority need |
| Supported accommodation | Through resettlement referral |
| Private rented | UC housing element can cover rent |
| Friends/family | Temporary option |
Priority Need for Housing
You may be in priority need if:
- You’re vulnerable as a result of having been in prison
- You have children
- You have a physical or mental health condition
- You’re at risk of domestic abuse
- You’re aged 16-17 or a care leaver
Your council must assess your housing needs.
What the Council Must Do
| Duty | Detail |
|---|
| Assess your housing needs | Within days of your approach |
| Provide emergency accommodation | If you’re in priority need and have nowhere to go |
| Develop a housing plan | Working towards settled accommodation |
| Provide advice | On housing options in the area |
While in Prison — What Happens to Your Benefits
| Benefit | What Happens |
|---|
| UC | Stops after 6 months (or earlier in some cases) |
| Housing Benefit | May continue for 13 weeks (up to 52 weeks for short sentences) |
| PIP | Stops after 28 days |
| ESA | Stops |
| Child Benefit | Can transfer to child’s carer |
| State Pension | Stops while in prison |
| Council Tax | May be exempt in some circumstances |
Short Sentences (Under 6 Months)
If your sentence is less than 6 months:
- UC may continue for up to 6 months
- Housing Benefit may continue for 13 weeks to protect your tenancy
- Inform DWP of your release date as early as possible
Identification Documents
Many benefits require ID. If you’ve lost documents:
| Document | How to Get It |
|---|
| National Insurance number | Prison records, or call HMRC |
| Birth certificate | Order from the General Register Office (£11) |
| Provisional driving licence | DVLA (£34) |
| Bank account | Basic accounts available with limited ID |
| Proof of address | Probation letter, hostel letter |
Some Jobcentres have specific processes for claimants without ID — ask about this when you attend.
Employment Support
| Support | Detail |
|---|
| New Futures Network (prison) | Employment support before release |
| Jobcentre work coach | Tailored employment support |
| Restart programme | Intensive employment support if on UC 9+ months |
| Going Forward Into Employment | For ex-offenders |
| Timpson Foundation | Employer that hires ex-offenders |
| Employer incentives | Employers can access hiring incentives |