Prison leavers and homelessness

If you were recently released from prison, or are currently in prison, we can support you to avoid becoming homeless.

Avoiding eviction while in prison

If you have a tenancy when you go to prison you may be able to sustain it and avoid eviction.

You should:

• tell the landlord you are in prison and get post sent to you
• ask friends and family to talk to the landlord on your behalf. This will allow you to react to any eviction attempts
• go to court to defend your tenancy while in prison if the landlord takes steps to evict you.

You may be eligible for housing benefit or Universal Credit to help pay your rent while in prison. You should have a housing and resettlement or Through the Gate service within the prison which can help you with these steps and provide further advice.

Help before you leave prison

The Through the Gate service should assign a resettlement worker to you in order to prepare you for release.

They can help with:

• housing benefit claims
• rent arrears or eviction
• referrals to suitable accommodation if you will be homeless on release.

You can also apply for the following grants before release:

• £46 discharge grant
• up to £50 for your first night's accommodation which will be paid to the housing provider.

Becoming homeless after release from prison

If you have no where to stay on release from prison you can contact us.