Can you get your visit travel paid?
There is a government scheme that pays visit travel for families on a low income, and hardly anyone has heard of it. Three questions to see if your visits qualify.
Why almost nobody claims this
Visiting prison is expensive. Trains, petrol, a day off work, food on the way. The Assisted Prison Visits Scheme exists exactly for this, pays real money, and is barely advertised. If you qualify, that is potentially 26 paid trips a year. Keep every ticket and receipt and claim within 28 days.
Common questions
What is the Assisted Prison Visits Scheme (APVS)?
A government scheme that pays the travel costs of visiting a close family member or partner in prison, if you get certain benefits or have a low income. It covers standard train and bus fares, or petrol, and can help with an overnight stay and meals for long journeys. It can also pay for a child to travel with you.
Who counts as a close relative for APVS?
Partners (married or not), parents, children, brothers and sisters, and grandparents. You can also qualify as the prisoner’s only visitor, even without being family, if nobody else visits them.
Which benefits qualify for APVS?
Universal Credit (with low or no earnings), Income Support, income-based JSA, income-related ESA, Pension Credit, and tax credits below a set income. A low income without those benefits can also qualify through an HC2 or HC3 health costs certificate.
How many visits does APVS pay for?
Up to 26 visits in a 12 month period. That is one visit a fortnight, paid for. Keep your tickets and receipts, and claim within 28 days of the visit.
How do I claim APVS?
The claim form is on GOV.UK under "Help with prison visits", or ring the APVS team on 0300 063 2100. First claims need proof of your benefit. You can claim after the visit with receipts, or ask for the money before you travel once you are known to the scheme.
- Prisoners' Families Helpline: help with the cost of prison visits: if the claim is refused or you get stuck
- POPS: first-time families: costs, ID and what to expect at the visitors' centre
Family support where you are. These charities run visitors' centres and family workers at particular prisons, and will talk to you whether or not your relative is at one of theirs.
- South and Sussex: Sussex Prisoners' Families (01273 499843) and Spurgeons (Winchester visitors' centre)
- North West: POPS, visitors' centres at fifteen prisons, 0161 702 1000
- North East: Nepacs, visitors' centres at Durham, Frankland, Holme House, Low Newton, Deerbolt and Northumberland
- East of England: Ormiston Families, visitors' centres at Norwich, Wayland, Chelmsford, Whitemoor, Highpoint, Warren Hill, Hollesley Bay and Bure
- West Midlands: Himaya Haven, one to one support and court preparation, 0121 257 8452
- Merseyside (children): Time-Matters UK
- Anywhere: Pact visitors' centres and the NICCO directory to find the family service at any prison