Assisted Prison Visits Scheme

In our column in June this year we wrote about the difficulties some people face visiting their family members in prison due to long and expensive journeys. We included some brief information about the Assisted Prison Visit Scheme (APVS) which close relatives, partners or sole visitors can apply to for financial assistance.

Since that article, the scheme has gone through some changes in their application process. This caused some initial confusion for families, and so we thought it would be helpful to outline the process in more detail so that readers can pass this on to any family or friends who are still finding the changes difficult.

The Assisted Prison Visits Unit (APVU) has now introduced the ability to apply online. They are encouraging people to use this service as it should be the quickest way to claim. Your visitor can do this by going to the following website address:

http://www.gov.uk/helpwithprisonvisits

To apply online your visitor will need to have an email address. This is so the APVU can contact them directly if there are problems and can send rail tickets by email. The online claim process is also quicker as it allows claimants to upload documents and receipts using the internet.

However, for many people accessing the internet can be difficult and daunting. If your visitor has difficulties with this, please reassure them that can get support with this from APVU staff and that they can still make paper applications without using the internet.

The first thing they need to do is call the Assisted Prison Visits Unit on 0300 063 2100. ‘Digital Assist’ staff will then offer support to apply online if at all possible. They will also ask some questions about the difficulties your visitor may have using the online service. Please be aware that APVU will require each claimant to complete this call before sending out any paper claim forms but they should not have to go through this more than once.

If claimants are unable to use the online service after this call the APVU should then send them a paper application to their home address. Claimants can then complete this and send it back to the APVU with the supporting documentation. They should use the following address:

Assisted Prison Visits Unit (APVU)

PO Box 2152

Birmingham

B15 1SD

When this is received it will be added to the online system and will join the queue to be processed. At this point a member of staff will automatically send out another claim form for the next visit—so there is no need to call the number again unless the form is not received.

Please be aware that there is no longer a shorter repeat claim form so your visitor will need to complete the form for each claim. However, they will not need to send all the documentation needed in the first claim—subsequent claims will usually require just receipts and confirmation of visits form.  The only time additional documentation may be needed is when there has been a change in circumstances such as a change of address, prison or income.

Visitors usually claim their costs back after the visit, and should be aware that a claim must be made within 28 days of the visit. You can also apply for a payment in advance if you need to. Payment can be made directly into bank accounts or by a payment voucher which can be exchanged at a Post Office. For an advance claim, train tickets can be sent to the claimant before the visit as long as it is already booked.

A reminder that to be eligible visitors must be on a low income or in receipt of certain benefits such as income support or income based job seekers allowance. The APVS covers the cheapest method of public transport for the journey and can sometimes include support for light refreshments, and even accommodation and childcare costs in a few cases. The scheme provides help for one visit every two weeks, with the maximum number of assisted visits is 26 in any 12 month period. For more information on eligibility for APVS please contact us and we can send you a copy of the ‘APVU – Visitors guide’

You can contact the Prison Reform Trust’s advice team at FREEPOST ND6125 London EC1B 1PN. Our free information line is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 3.30–5.30. The number is 0808 802 0060 and does not need to be put on your pin.