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Information for prisoners

Normally, if you are in prison or detained in legal custody, your entitlement to benefit will  cease. You can ask, in writing, for any arrears  due to you to be paid to someone else or you can choose to have the money paid into your own account.

If your partner has gone to prison you may still be entitled to benefits as long as you qualify in your own right..

Before you are released from prison

Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) staff can help you complete forms and arrange advance or urgent appointments, for instance if you wish to claim Jobseekers Allowance, with the Social Security Agency (SSA).

Appointments can also be made with voluntary organisations.

If you are claiming benefit in advance you can  ask for appointments to coincide with home leave and the office will try to accommodate you if possible.

Social Security advisers can give you information about benefits and the Social Fund, which may help you financially when you are first released.

When you are discharged or if you expect to be discharged within six weeks and you are likely to get

  • Income Support
  • Jobseeker’s Allowance (Income Based)
  • Employment and Support Allowance (Income Related)
  • or Pension Credit

you may be eligible for a Community Care Grant.

What to do when you are released

You must contact your local Social Security/ Jobs and Benefits office, or the ESA Centre right away to avoid  delay in dealing with your claim.

To get help with job-hunting  you should contact your local Jobs and Benefits office / JobCentre immediately. Just call Freephone 0800353530.

Progress2work

You can get extra help to look for work through Progress2work. This can help you improve your chances of getting a job by addressing, for example, disclosure of criminal convictions. Progress2work can also help you with your education and training to ultimately find work. You can find out more by contacting your local Jobs and Benefits office / JobCentre.

Other benefits

If you are looking to claim other benefits you will still need to contact your nearest Social Security / Jobs and Benefits office and they will tell who to contact.

You should make your claim as soon as you leave prison.