Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what level of benefit is paid to prisoners upon release; and for how many weeks.

The level of benefit paid to prisoners on release and the length that this benefit is paid is dependent on the individual's personal circumstances. DWP Prison Work Coaches provide support to prisoners to make their claim to benefits, and for those prisoners engaging with the Prison Work Coach an advanced appointment will be made for as soon as possible following release. This could be for the same day that they leave prison. Prison leavers who are in financial need will be eligible to receive up to 100 per cent of their first month’s entitlement in advance.