Universal Credit: Refugees

(asked on 17th December 2018) - View Source

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the finding in the British Red Cross report Still an ordeal: The move-on period for new refugees, published on 6 December, that Universal Credit payments to newly recognised refugees are being delayed due to Habitual Residency Tests being inconsistently applied by job centres.


Answered by
Baroness Buscombe Portrait
Baroness Buscombe
This question was answered on 4th January 2019

Habitual residence tests are being consistently applied to refugees when applying for Universal Credit. We provide comprehensive training and guidance for all of our work coaches to ensure that they can effectively apply the habitual residency test process. Refugees who are able to provide their biometric residence permit or evidence of their refugee status can be fast tracked through the habitual residency test process.

We are continuously reviewing and improving the service for vulnerable people who claim Universal Credit to ensure that it is accessible and responsive to their needs.

Staff also have access to information on services and support available in their local area for vulnerable claimants, including refugees.

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