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Prison and benefits

Factsheet
Date: 
07 September 2023
Issue: 
September 2023

Most social security benefits are affected if you are in prison. This factsheet outlines the main issues that come up if you are remanded in custody or if you are serving a prison sentence.

PDF icon Prison and benefits
Disability benefits Housing benefit Jobseeker's allowance PIP PRISON Scottish Welfare Fund Factsheet Scotland
Related to this resource: 

Financial help for families affected by imprisonment

Factsheet on impact of imprisonment on family benefits
PRISON Tax credits and early years Factsheet Scotland

Universal credit and prison

People entering and leaving prison tend to encounter a specific set of difficulties within the universal credit (UC) system. These include confusion about whether they are entitled to UC, doubts about whether they have permanently lost entitlement to legacy benefits and the consequences of detention for those claiming benefits because they have limited capability for work. Barbara Donegan explains.
Article PRISON Universal credit Welfare Rights Bulletin UK