I am in prison / being released from prison, what are my housing options?

Pages in I am in prison / being released from prison, what are my housing options?

  1. 1. You are here: In prison / on remand
  2. 2. Under eviction
  3. 3. On release
  4. 4. Advice and support

1. In prison / on remand

You may still be able to keep your rented property through the following methods:

  • Ensuring your rent is paid on time
  • Ensuring your property is being looked after whilst you’re away
  • Informing utility providers (gas/water/electric) that you will be away
  • Keeping your belongings in your property

It is vital you do all you can to keep your property as finding housing upon release is very difficult.

Claiming housing benefit

On remand

You can claim housing benefit whilst on remand if:

  • Your home is unoccupied / you not renting out your property
  • You can demonstrate that you intend to return home by e.g. continuing to pay your rent and by keeping your belongings at your house
  • You will be remanded in custody for no more than 52 weeks
  • You must inform the Housing Benefit office you are in prison and ensure your prison completes a Notification of Remand in Custody Form and sends it within 14 days of your contact with the Housing Benefit office.
  • You may be entitled to make a new claim for Housing Benefits whilst on remand, speak to your benefits officer in prison.

In prison

  • You may be entitled to housing benefit if your total sentence is 13 weeks or less. However, if you have already spent 13 weeks on remand, you will not be entitled to Housing Benefit
  • If you can’t claim Housing Benefit and have no other way to pay your rent, you should speak to your prison Resettlement Officer about surrendering your tenancy to avoid falling into arrears.