Family Early Help
Are Afghan Refugees Entitled to Benefits?
Yes they are, subject to usual eligibility. This is because the UK Government has granted them indefinite leave to remain. Examples of benefits Afghan refugees could be entitled to include:
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Universal Credit - if you’re unemployed, too ill to work or on a low wage
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Pension Credit - if you’re over working age
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a refugee integration loan - this is a loan not a benefit, but it might help pay for a rent deposit, household items, education and training for work (see info below)
Bear in mind this applies to Afghan refugees who were evacuated in August 2021. There are Afghan refugees in Camden who arrived via unsafe route before the evacuation, and have an asylum application or appeal in process. They currently do not have leave to remain and therefore have limits to their rights to welfare benefits. Check here for more info on different immigration statuses.
What Do We Need to Apply for Benefits?
For an evacuated Afghan refugee to apply for benefits, you would normally need:
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A National Insurance number - if the parent has a biometric residence permit, their NI number may be shown on the reverse of the card. If you are working with one of the DWP agents onsite at the hotels, they can apply for a national insurance number when they apply for benefits. If all else fails, you can call the National Insurance number application line. Ask whether they’ve issued the parent with a NI number - if they haven’t, ask what you need to do to get one.
- A bank account - here is a link to Citizens Advice information about how to open a UK bank account. It should be an easy process if you have proof of immigration status, but some banks might not have seen a biometric residence permit before. It’s a legal and valid form of identification (ID). You could also consider applying for a Post Office card account, but only if you can’t get a bank or building society account - find out more about Post Office card accounts.
- Proof of immigration status - you can read more about that here https://ascpractice.camden.gov.uk/early-help-guide/family-early-help-covid-guidebook/afghanistan-crisis-response/afghan-refugee-immigration-status-rights-and-entitlements/#main
Who Can Help Us With Applying for Benefits?
There are DWP agents onsite at each of the 3 bridging hotels to assist Afghan refugees with applying for UC (which can including applying for an NI number if needed). You can find their contact details here:
What Do We Do Whilst We're Waiting for Benefits to Start?
The Home Office intends to provide bridging hotel residents with ASPEN cards (a pre-loaded debit card) to bridge the gap between applying for benefits and receiving them. The amounts per person that should be on the ASPEN cards are:
There has been a delay in the Home Office supplying and distributing ASPEN cards. If you are working with a family who have not received their financial support from the Home Office, please contact the Camden support onsite team, contact details here
Refugee Integration Loans
Refugees are entitled to apply for an integration loan if they are 18 years of age or over. Integration loans have to be paid back but they are interest free.
Loan applications can be made for items or activities that will help your integration into society. This could be help with housing, getting a job or education.
Information on the loan and an application form can be found on GOV.UK at
www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-for-an-integration-loan