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Forum Home  →  Discussion  →  Residence issues  →  Thread

Gov help with cost of living crisis - not available to unaccompanied asylum seekers??

clive
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Newcastle Council Welfare Rights

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Total Posts: 122

Joined: 22 June 2010

I’ve been asked if this is correct and ‘if anything is being done about it’ (by which I assume lobbying – or challenges). Thank you.

“The Government help with the cost of living crisis will not be available to the unaccompanied asylum seekers (UAS) who are in their own tenancies. Here’s link to gov guidance https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cost-of-living-support/cost-of-living-support-factsheet-26-may-2022

1. £150 Council Tax rebate to all households in properties from Band A to D. This is paid regardless of income and is either requested directly through the Council or by contacting them and providing some basic information. You had to be registered as a tenant up to the 1st of April 2022 in order to qualify. This is not available to UAS as they are not registered for Council Tax in the property.
2. £650 Cost of Living Support to households who meet certain financial criteria (namely, being in receipt of means tested benefits). This will be paid directly to those eligible and for most people this will be via their Universal Credit claim Again, this will not be available to UAS as they have no recourse to public finds so will not be included.
3. £400 Energy Bill Support Scheme. This will be paid depending on what type of account they have. Credit account holders will receive 6 monthly payments totalling £400 on their account; pre-payment account holders will either receive a voucher or have the payment made direct to their meter. If your young person does not have an account in their name, they will not receive this discount.”

Vonny
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Welfare rights adviser - Social Inclusion Unit, Swansea

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Total Posts: 487

Joined: 17 June 2010

Is the problem that unaccompanied asylum seekers are not actually responsible for paying energy bills?