Care and support

On Release

Claimants released on temporary licence cannot claim benefits; however somebody they are living with can claim a CCG from the social fund for help towards their living expenses if they satisfy the rules for the grant.

Claimants with partners, who are released to a bail or probation hostel count as a couple for IBJSA or IS which is paid at twice the single rate or the couple rate, whichever is the higher. The 52 week rule for HB and CTB applies as above.

Claimants, who are permanently released, even under an order, should claim benefits as soon as possible. Discharged prisoners are given Form B79 which should be used for verification purposes when claiming benefits. Any discharge grant will count as capital for IS and IBJSA purposes.

An interim payment or a crisis loan could be claimed while the benefits are being processed. If the claimant is in receipt of IS or IBJSA s/he could apply for a CCG (sometimes up to 6 weeks before likely receipt of these benefits – see above). CCGs can be awarded for various purposes, including helping the claimant, or a member of their family, to establish themselves in the community following a stay in institutional or residential accommodation in which they received care (including prisons).

Since 29 June 2007 eligible prisoners can be released for the last 18 days of their sentence under a temporary licence known as an End of Custody Licence (ECL). Until their formal release date, ECL prisoners cannot claim means-tested benefits such as income-based JSA, crisis loans or other social
fund payments. If entitled, they can claim contributory benefits such as contribution-based JSA and incapacity benefit straight away.

Instead of benefits, prisoners released under ECL will be paid subsistence payments until their formal release date. Subsistence payments are £47.12 for each complete week plus £7 per day for any part weeks. These are paid by the DWP. Prisoners who have not received their payments can ring the DWP help line on 0292 0381111. In addition, the Prison can pay a one-off discharge grant of £46 plus up to £70 a week (depending on the region) for 3 weeks to help with housing costs This is at the discretion of the Prison Governor and must be paid direct to the landlord or housing provider. A one-off payment of £50 can also be paid if a deposit is required.