Joe
Category: Advice
This case study highlights the continuing support needed by individuals as they make the transition from prison to the community.
Prior to his release NIACRO staff met Joe in Magilligan prison to discuss his options and choices in relation to housing, employment and social security. Joe was unfit for work for health reasons and he was given advice and assistance to complete an Employment and Support Allowance (sickness benefit) application form.
On release, he was returning to live in the North West and was given NIACRO's contact telephone number and address if any further advice or follow up work was needed. Joe visited NIACRO, seeking support to apply for Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Although an application was submitted he was refused. An appeal has been lodged to have his application assessed by an Independent Appeal Tribunal. NIACRO will represent Joe at the hearing.
Joe had applied for a Crisis Loan and received a payment but his Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) was still not available. NIACRO contacted the ESA centre on his behalf to check that they had received all necessary information and to ask when Joe could expect a payment. ESA informed NIACRO his benefits would be paid within the next 2 weeks.
A few weeks later Joe contacted NIACRO to say that that he had received payment of ESA. He said he had an outstanding Social Fund Loan and he wanted to know the amount still owed. NIACRO staff drafted a letter to the local Social Fund Office seeking disclosure of his outstanding Social Fund debt. NIACRO then negotiated on Joe's behalf to have deductions of his social fund debt reduced from £10 per week to £5 per week. This eased Joe's financial pressure, helping him to budget better each week.
Speaking of his experience Joe says: "Because NIACRO met me while I was in prison and offered me support, I felt comfortable contacting them on my release. I didn't have the same kind of confidence approaching other organisations in the community, as i would have needed to tell them about my past and time in prison. NIACRO were understanding and sympathetic, but were also very professional. I think it is because they work with offenders and famillies, so they have a good understanding of my needs."