The guidance covers informing the benefits office, claiming housing costs, storing personal belongings, telling the employer, considering other commitments, making arrangements for children, claiming family travel costs, seeking advice, and looking ahead. The Prison Service has systems in place to inform the Benefits Agency when someone who may be claiming benefits comes into prison. Offenders may be able to claim benefits to get their housing costs paid. Notifying the local council of imprisonment is important because prisoners are not normally required to pay council tax. Security arrangements need to be made if the home of offenders will be empty while they are in prison. In addition, employers must be notified and arrangements must be made for family or friends to look after children. The Prison Service's Assisted Visit Scheme provides benefits to help families with the cost of traveling to prison. While in prison, offenders must ask for advice and assistance as part of planning for release.