THE DWP has told asylum seekers and refugees what they need to do to claim Universal Credit.

People seeking asylum in the UK receive asylum support, including housing, from the Home Office but it will stop 28 days after a decision is made.

The DWP has issued guidance outlining the “urgent actions” refugees need to do to claim Universal Credit and other benefits, once they have been given refugee status.

It tells people who have been newly granted refugee status who can apply and what to expect.

The guidance tells people with refugee status they can be entitled to benefits if they are unemployed and looking for work or are bringing up children.

Also, benefits are available for refugees when they retire, if they care for someone, if they are ill or have a disability.

The DWP said the first steps people should take are to apply for benefits, get a bank account and arrange housing.

As soon as someone gets refugee status, the Migrant Help service will be in contact to give advice on getting a job, applying for benefits and how to get help with housing.

There may be a gap between asylum support ending and the first benefit payment.

People are advised if they do not have enough to live on while waiting for the first payment, they may be able to get an advance on their first payment.

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Once they start to claim benefits refugees are told of their responsibilities to continue to receive support.

Like non-refugees they will be assigned a work coach to give advice on local job opportunities.

They may need to agree on a ‘claimant commitment’ agreement with the work coach.

The commitment sets out what has been agreed to prepare for and look for work, or to increase earnings if they are already working.

It is based on personal circumstances and benefits may be cut if they do not do what has been agreed.