Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the ability of newly recognised refugees to apply for Universal Credit and receive a first payment within the 28-day move-on period.

Asylum Support is available to asylum seekers 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 be made immediately once refugee status is granted and Asylum Support is not deducted from the Universal Credit award during the 28 days period. Individuals should not wait until the end of the 28 days to make a Universal Credit claim and have received guidance to encourage them to apply for Universal Credit as soon as they receive a decision on their asylum claim.

The first regular Universal Credit payment is usually made around five weeks after the claim is made. New claimants, including refugees, who need financial support before the end of their first assessment period can apply for a Universal Credit advance as soon as their ID and immigration status is verified. This will mean that they may be able to receive payments within the 28-day move-on period. This is an advance of up to 100% of their total expected award, which is paid back over a period of up to 24 months.