What happens to the benefits when they go inside?
When a partner or family member goes to prison, the household money changes fast, and nobody hands you a list. Tick what applies and we will make you one.
Get proper advice too
This page gets you moving, but a benefits adviser can check your exact situation for free. Citizens Advice (0800 144 8848) do it every day. If rent is the worry, Shelter's helpline is 0808 800 4444. If you are the one going in, our getting ready guide covers the money jobs to do before court.
Common questions
Do I have to tell the DWP my partner is in prison?
Yes, straight away. It is a change of circumstances and not reporting it creates overpayments you must pay back, and can be treated as fraud. Report it in your Universal Credit journal or ring the line for the benefit. Tell the council too for council tax and Housing Benefit.
What happens to our joint Universal Credit claim?
Your joint claim ends and you claim as a single person. Report the change in your journal as soon as they are sentenced or remanded. Your payments are recalculated. Many people end up with a similar or higher personal amount, but only if they report and reclaim properly.
Does help with rent continue while they are inside?
If the person in prison was the one getting the housing help for a home they plan to return to: on remand it can continue for up to 6 months, and after sentencing only if the whole time inside is expected to be 6 months or less. If you both live there and you now claim as a single person, your own housing element continues as normal.
What happens to their PIP or other disability benefits?
PIP, DLA and Attendance Allowance stop after 28 days in prison, including on remand. If you got Carer’s Allowance for looking after them, that stops too. Both can restart on release, but you must report the change now.
Can I get the Child Benefit paid to me instead?
Yes. If Child Benefit was paid into their account, contact HMRC and move the claim to whoever now cares for the children. Do it quickly so payments are not missed or paid into an account nobody can reach.
Do I get a council tax discount now?
If their going inside leaves you as the only adult in the home, you claim the 25% single person discount from the day they went in. Prisoners are also "disregarded" for council tax, which can help in other household setups. Ring the council.