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Benefits that Stop while in Prison or Remand

As a rule, your entitlement to benefit stops if you go to prison. Prisoners, and anyone on remand, may have their benefit entitlements stopped or discontinued.

WHEN BENEFITS STOP: Some of your rights to claim benefit payments continues even if you go to prison.

A list of benefits that do not stop while in prison includes:

Note: You will stop getting Carer’s Allowance payments if the person you are caring for goes to prison or goes on remand.


Discontinued Benefits when on Remand

If you get placed on remand you will not be able to claim:

Note: You will also lose your entitlement to Statutory Sick Pay or Statutory Maternity Pay from your employer.


How to get Benefit Arrears while in Prison

You should make a written request to get any benefit arrears owed to you at the time you get sent to prison. The same applies if you get remand. In this case, they would get paid to someone else that you nominate.

Benefit Arrears If No Conviction

Providing you do not get convicted you would be able to get any benefit arrears for:

  • Contributory Employment and Support Allowance
  • Incapacity Benefit
Benefit Arrears after getting Convicted

You may still get Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit arrears even if you get convicted. You could get up to one year of arrears once you get released from prison.


ALSO IN THIS SECTION

Keeping in Touch with Someone in Prison | Check out the different methods of contacting a prisoner.

Prison Life and Time Behind Bars | Things to expect if you get sent to a prison in the United Kingdom.


Claiming Benefits After Release

You can put in new claims for any benefits that you qualify for as soon as you leave prison. In some cases, you may also get practical and financial support after leaving prison.

Note: You cannot claim for the Job Seekers Allowance if you get released on a temporary licence (ROTL).


Benefits that Stop or get Suspended while in Prison or On Remand