A NEW benefits project to help reduce re-offending and help prisoners on their release is to be trialled at Barlinnie jail.

The DWP is to launch the scheme where prisoners get support and advice from job coaches before they leave prison.

They will also be able to claim Universal Credit and have a payment when they are free.

The men will be able to have their identity verified and an application made over the phone.

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The DWP said that failure to find work is one of the biggest drivers of reoffending and latest statistics show that in Scotland one in four ex-offenders were re-convicted within 12 months of being released.

UK minister for Welfare Delivery, Will Quince is visiting the jail today to announce the new scheme for the jail.

The key features are * Work coaches will develop skills to help prison leavers find employment * A Dedicated Universal Credit phoneline introduced to help eligible prisoners fill in benefit claims.

* Ex offenders receive Universal Credit payments on the day of their release.

Around 4500 prisoners are released every year from Barlinnie, which has the capacity to house around 1300 prisoners.

Many re-offend and are back in prison within a year. the plan is to help people access finance and help to get into a job or training to reduce the numbers who land back in jail.

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Jobcentre staff will help ensure prisoners obtain ID, get help to prepare CVs and identify possible training opportunities and work experience and potential jobs.

The men will have supervised and restricted access to computers to allow them to apply on line for benefits and will be able to arrange a benefit payment to start the day they are released.

Just now prisoners have to wait until they are released from jail before they can start a claim, which means they have to wait weeks before they would qualify for a payment.

It leads to men leaving jail destitute, having no money and many with nowhere to stay.

Just now there are some things needed to make a benefits claim that many people in prison may not have.

Claimants need an email address a home address, a phone number, evidence of identity and bank account details.

Currently universal credit will be stopped if someone is convicted and sent to prison.

If they are expected to be released within six months then housing benefit element can still be paid. If the time inside, including any remand period exceeds six months then payments will be stopped and a new claim would need to be made on release.

If they are are held on remand they can claim housing payments for up to one year.

Glasgow Times:

Will Quince, Minister for Welfare Delivery, explains the reasons behind the new Universal Credit support pilot.

MOST of us will never experience being in prison, so it’s hard to imagine the emotions people feel when they’re released after being locked up for a long time.

When I’ve spoken with ex-offenders in my role as Minister for Welfare Delivery, people have told me about the joy and excitement they feel on release day, but I’ve also heard about the fear and anxiety that can fill many with dread as they walk out of the prison gates.  For many people, it depends what’s waiting for you on the outside. If you have a home, a family and a job waiting for you, things are undoubtedly much easier.

That’s why today I’m announcing a new Universal Credit support pilot at HM Prison Barlinnie aimed at making sure prisoners get the best possible support to access benefits and start looking for work even before they leave prison.  It begins with access to a Prison Work Coach, who will help prisoners build employable skills with training and setting up work experience for after they’re released. As prisoners near the end of their sentence they’ll help them obtain ID, prepare CVs and begin a claim to Universal Credit with a direct telephone line to a benefits service centre.

Those eligible will be able to get Universal Credit money on the day they leave, helping them pay for housing and living expenses.  Helping prisoners reintegrate into society benefits everyone.  In Scotland, one in four ex-offenders were reconvicted within 12 months of their release.  By helping people to receive financial support quickly, find somewhere to live and access job opportunities I hope that we can go a long way to lowering that number.