Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what additional support her Department provides to asylum seekers whose universal credit payments have been stopped.

Those seeking asylum in the UK are not entitled to Universal Credit. However, Asylum Support is available to newly recognised refugees through the Home Office whilst their status is under consideration. This support continues for 28 days after refugee status is granted. A claim to Universal Credit can then be made immediately once refugee status is granted and Asylum Support is not deducted from their Universal Credit award during the 28 days run on period.

Work coaches receive training to help them build supportive relationships with claimants, including refugees, encouraging them to openly discuss any barriers, concerns or problems as they emerge. Provided the eligibility criteria for Universal Credit are met, we will offer an advance payment to a refugee when making a new claim, and staff have access to information on a range of services and support available in their local area for vulnerable claimants, including refugees. We also have access to a range of translation services to assist, should a claimant need support to overcome any language barriers.