Evaluation of the prisoner Universal Credit claim preparation tests
Evaluation findings from a test supporting prison leavers to make a timely claim for Universal Credit.
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This report presents findings from an evaluation of a test designed to improve timely access to Universal Credit (UC) for prison leavers.
The test enabled prison work coaches in selected prisons to support prison leavers to prepare a UC claim while in custody. They then helped them submit the claim on the day of release.
The evaluation included both qualitative and quantitative research. The qualitative research gathered views from prison work coaches and other prison staff. It explored how effectively the test was implemented and identified any issues affecting delivery or participation.
The quantitative research examined the test’s impact on the time taken to submit a UC claim. It used a difference-in-difference approach to compare claim submission times before and after the test. It also compared outcomes between test and comparator prisons.