If you are a close relative or partner of a prisoner and you are in receipt of certain benefits or on a low income, you may be eligible for help with your travel costs from the Help with Prison Visits (HWPW) service. 

Who can apply? 

• Husband, Wife or Civil Partner
• Partner - living as a couple before the prisoner went into prison
• Parent or Grand-parent (includes step-parent or adoptive parent)
• Brother or Sister (includes half-sibling or step-sibling)
• Son or Daughter (includes step or adoptive)
• Next of Kin (as noted by the prisoner in prison records)
• Sole Visitor (only social visitor in the four weeks before a visit claimed)
• Escort to a qualifying adult or child

Who qualifies for help? 

To qualify for assistance under the scheme, you must be in receipt of one of the following benefits: 

• Income Support
• Income-based Job Seekers Allowance
• Employment and Support Allowance (Income related)
• Universal Credit*
• Working Tax Credits (with Disability or Child Tax)*
• Child Tax Credits*
• Pension Credit
• Hold HC2 or HC3 Certificate

*An income limit applies to Universal Credit and Tax Credits (see gov.uk's information on Payment Rates)

If someone else claims benefits for you, make your claim online and the Help with Prison Visits team will contact you for further details if required.

Which prisons can you visit? 

The scheme will contribute to the cost of visiting all prison establishments in England, Wales, and Scotland (including Young Offender Institutions). 

Qualifying visitors living in England, Wales, or Scotland can also claim assistance with the cost of visiting a prison in Northern Ireland. 

Qualifying visitors living in England, Wales, or Scotland can also claim assistance towards the cost of visiting a prison in Guernsey or Jersey. Help is given for one visit every 6 months by a maximum of 3 qualifying adults and qualifying children per visit. One visit will be assisted where the prisoner is serving a sentence of 6 months or less.

Residents of Northern Ireland can get details of the Northern Ireland Prison Visits Scheme from the prison visited or on nidirect.gov.uk.

How often can you visit? 

Help is normally given towards a visit every two weeks and for up to 26 visits per 12-month period. This limit is applicable whether the prisoner is on remand or has been sentenced/convicted.

What does the scheme cover? 

The scheme will contribute towards the cost of travel to the prison by rail, bus, private motor vehicle, ferry, car hire, taxi and air travel. The reimbursement of taxi fares is restricted to certain circumstances – it is best to check with the Help with Prison Visits scheme prior to making any journey by taxi. It is important to retain all tickets and receipts relating to the journey as these will need to be provided to the Help with Prison Visits scheme for reimbursement. You do not need to obtain receipts for petrol when travelling by private motor vehicle as the cost of making the journey will be paid on a per mile basis based on the total distance between the visitor’s home and the prison. 

If the journey is particularly difficult or significantly long, or there is limited public transport, you may be eligible to claim assistance towards the cost of an overnight stay. Other factors will be taken into account when claiming, so it is important to check eligibility with the Help with Prison Visits service prior to arranging any accommodation. 

If you do not wish to take a qualifying child under the age of 16 to prison, the cost of a registered child-minder or breakfast/after-school club or similar may be considered. 

How do you apply? 

You can apply online

The online application process allows you to upload your income details, receipts and visit confirmation. Payment is made into your bank account or cashed at a Post Office. If you are struggling to get online, you can use the Digital Assist phone line on 0300 063 2100 for advice on how to navigate the online process. 

As of 9 March 2020, there will be a new ‘payment into bank account’ option for qualifying visitors who claim help with their costs. Visitors will be encouraged to use this faster and more secure payment method. The existing cash voucher payment option will remain for a limited time but will eventually be phased out. 

Is there any financial assistance available for those wanting to visit a young prisoner in custody? 

The Youth Justice Board have a scheme available to help families in receipt of certain benefits or on a low income with the cost of visiting a loved one in a Secure Children’s’ Home or a Secure Training Centre. The local Youth Offending Team should be able to provide details of the scheme. The YJB will help pay the costs of one visit per week for up to two adult visitors (aged 16 or above) and up to three accompanying children (aged 15 or below). 

For further information, go to https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/assisted-prison-visits-form/help-with-prison-visits-a-guide-to-claiming-help-with-the-cost-of-prison-visits

Page last reviewed: 13 May 2024

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