Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the Answer of 23 October 2023 to Question 201819 on Refugees: Finance, whether someone with refugee status may make an application for Universal Credit before they have received their Biometric Residence Permit.

Those granted refugee status have recourse to public funds and are able to apply for Universal Credit as soon as they receive their grant of status. Individuals do not need to have received their Biometric Residence Permit before making a claim to Universal Credit. They will need to be able to verify their identity and their refugee status for their claim to be processed. Although refugees normally rely on their Biometric Residence Permit to verify their identity and their refugee status, other documents can be accepted.

DWP Staff are instructed to consider all available evidence when assessing a benefit claim, including checking directly with the Home Office to confirm immigration status where they are unsure. We are currently reviewing the guidance for staff on acceptable evidence for refugees including alternative evidence for those yet to receive a Biometric Residence Permit.

We are also reviewing our public guidance to make clear that those granted refugee status should make a claim to Universal Credit as soon as they receive their grant of status if they require financial support and should not wait until they receive their Biometric Residence Permit. This reflects the advice refugees are given in Home Office communications when they receive their grant of status.