Leaving prison and homelessness

If you do not have anywhere to live when you’re released from prison you must speak to your resettlement worker as soon as possible. Prisons now have a Duty to Refer to us at Housing Options if you are eligible for assistance and have a local connection to Derby.

More information about local connection can be found on Shelter's website.

Prison discharge grant

All prisoners when they leave, are given a discharge grant paid for by the prison. This is money to help with your costs until your benefits are sorted out.

If a prison housing officer resettlement worker has found you accommodation for your first night, you may be eligible for a higher discharge grant (approximately an extra £50), which is paid directly to the accommodation provider.

When you have spent time in prison you will have support from the Probation Service on your release. Your probation officer may find you a place to stay. Probation Services also have a Duty to Refer to us.

In some situations, such as priority need, we may have a duty to provide you with accommodation when you are released.

Prisoners and ex-offenders treated as intentionally homeless

We may decide that you are intentionally homeless if you were evicted from your previous home because of criminal or anti-social behaviour. However, we will still aim to work with you to resolve your homelessness.

If you are in priority need, you may be offered temporary accommodation for a short period of time to help you to find your own accommodation in the private sector or with supported housing providers.

You need to have a local connection to Derby.