PSALM 69 VERSE 33
For the Lord hears the needy and does not despise his own people who are prisoners.
Children growing up in families affected by imprisonment are at increased risk of poverty. Research has shown that the impacts of poverty and imprisonment can have negative effects on families’ relationships as well as on children’s development, physical and mental health. This leaflet gives a brief overview of the impact of imprisonment on family benefits, and the financial help available before, during and after a family member has been in prison. It is not a full statement of the law and you should seek advice in your individual circumstances. Universal credit is a working age means-tested benefit, payable in or out of work, including amounts for children, childcare costs and housing. Universal credit replaces income support, income-based jobseeker’s allowance, income-related employment and support allowance, housing benefit and tax credits for new claimants. If you are already getting one of these old benefits, you can continue to get them, depending on the circumstances. If you need to make a new claim for benefit, in most cases you will have to claim universal credit, but get advice before claiming.
Visiting your child or family members in prison can cost a lot however don’t worry as you can get assistance through the Assisted Prison Visits Unit with travel costs if you are visiting a partner, child or close relative in prison. It can also help with the cost of someone bringing your children to visit you in prison. The visitor must be getting one of the following benefits: Income support, Income-based jobseeker’s allowance, Income-related employment and support allowance, Pension credit, Universal credit, Child tax credit
Working tax credit as a disabled worker, Health benefits on low income grounds. You can get an application form from the prison, or download from www.gov.uk/assisted-prison-visits or contact the Assisted Prison Visits Unit . Assistance is normally given towards one visit every two weeks, and up to 26 visits in a 12 month period. If you cannot travel to the prison and back home in one day, a contribution to the costs of an overnight stay will be considered. To get reimbursed, you should keep tickets and apply within 28 days of the visit. You can apply in advance for the cheapest rail tickets available. You must also get a Confirmation of Visit form stamped by the prison. You can also get help with the costs of childcare if you have to pay a registered childcare provider to look after your child while you are visiting the prisoner.
Working fulltime however limits the help you obtain. remember you are also required to send money in to the prison for your love ones to be able to buy snacks, toiletries,
fire proof blankets and quilts, writing pads and most importantly for them to be able to call home/your mobile to maintain the line of communication among family.
Every six months you are able to buy tracksuits, underwear, socks, t shirts and trainers and send to the appropriate institution that your child is located.
Lastly you need to ensure you have money to buy refreshments whilst in the visit. If you need help with that I can be contacted at amotherscry@yahoo.co.uk as it is written in Romans 11 verse 6 : And since it is through God’s kindness then it is not by their good works. For in that case God’s grace would not be what it really is Free and Undeserved.