Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that prison leavers (a) with and (b) without internet access are aware of the (i) alternative payment arrangements and (ii) other easements for payment of universal credit that can be granted for claimants undertaking employability programmes.

On making a new claim to Universal Credit (UC) all claimants, including prison leavers and those undertaking employment programmes, receive a follow up call to verify details of identity and discuss their individual circumstances, including financial circumstances and money management. As part of this discussion, alternative payment arrangements will be considered where appropriate, including benefit payments paid more frequently than monthly, and housing costs paid direct to the landlord.

Those with an online claim also have access to a UC guide on their UC account. In addition, we have specific prison leaver UC guides - one for prison leavers and one for people supporting prison leavers:

UC prison leaver guide

UC prison leaver guide for those supporting prison leavers

All DWP work coaches, including Prison Work Coaches, receive training to provide support and employment advice to claimants who have complex needs, including female and male prison leavers.