Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what her Department’s policy is on benefit entitlement for people who have lived in the UK for 10 or more years with indefinite leave to remain but do not have a biometric residency permit and cannot afford the fee.

Access to income-related benefits is conditional upon satisfying a Habitual Residence Test (HRT) where claimants must provide proof of their nationality and immigration status; their employment (where appropriate) and habitual residence in the UK. Non-UK nationals who are granted leave to remain in the UK with the right to claim public funds must also satisfy the eligibility conditions of the benefit they are seeking to claim. Procedures are in place for DWP to seek verification from the Home Office if claimants are unable to provide proof of their nationality and immigration status.