Assisted prison vists

ryouga

Not sure if this is under benefits, but I have an issue. I only used them once before to visit a relative at Christmas, but as it was a special family day visit that started at 10am and didnt finish till 4 there was problems with transport and overnight stay.

The prison is in a small village and in a countryside region so not many hotels(theres a few expensive farmhouse ones, and literally 1 or 2 in each bigger town) so I could not stay in the town where the prison was(also the prison is a few miles out of town too)

Because of this I had to get first train down in morning which didnt arrive till 10.40 despite visit starting at 10 and they wanted people in around 9.30 so I had to get a taxi to prison(which I dont mind paying the extra compared to bus fare for) but the way back there was NO buses as last one finishes at 2.30 despite visits finishing around 3.45.

I had to apply for extra money this visit to cover the taxi, but recently they have put a bus on after complaints at 5pm but the APVU have rejected my claim for taxi both ways saying I had plenty of time to get to prison before 10am(uh I wasnt staying in town as all hotels were booked up) and said there was buses on way back(as I say only recently has this began, when I visited there was no buses after 2.30)

Its not a lot to some people but its £9 return for taxi and they gave me like £3.20 for bus so it mounts up.

Not wanting to start an argument either about being on benefits or why should someone get help to visit someone in jail in case that starts.

Indie_Kid

What benefits do you receive?

pmlindyloo

Here are the notes accompanying the application form for assisted prison visits.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/251964/Assisted-Prison-Visits-Guide.pdf

If you feel that you have not been given the correct financial assistance then you need to appeal their decision.

You will need proof of everything .eg buses weren't running at that time etc etc (see notes for further information)

ryouga

ESA work related and DLA both lower rate.

I also wrote a letter along with the receipts to mention how I have autism that means I get carers a few days a week to help me with basic tasks as I have severe anxiety leaving the house etc and still that didnt mean I get taxi refund(I can handle public transport though nervous)

midnight_express

What relation to you is the prisoner ?

helping_hand2014

ryouga wrote: »

ESA work related and DLA both lower rate.

I also wrote a letter along with the receipts to mention how I have autism that means I get carers a few days a week to help me with basic tasks as I have severe anxiety leaving the house etc and still that didnt mean I get taxi refund(I can handle public transport though nervous)

i can see where you are coming from up to a point but if you look at what the mobility element of DLA is paid for its to help pay towards you getting out travel ect ect

a friend of mine gets low rate mobility for DLA and they would not reimburse his taxi charges to and from therapy as that's what his DLA was paid towards

marliepanda

You are getting help with mobility costs through your DLA. What you chose to travel to with this money is up to you but I don't see why you should get extra for a prison visit than a supermarket trip or hospital trip.

seven-day-weekend

I too think you should use your DLA mobility costs for this purpose. It's £9 out of £21.55. That is what it is for.