§ Earl Russellasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will ensure that, where asylum seekers are refused asylum, the stopping of benefit payments does not predate the refusal of asylum. [HL17]
262WA
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Social Security (Baroness Hollis of Heigham)The administration of Social Security Benefits is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. I have asked him to write to you.
Letter to Earl Russell from the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, Mr. Peter Mathison, dated 21 January 1998.
I have been asked to reply to your recent parliamentary Question asking if we will ensure that, where asylum seekers are refused asylum, the stopping of benefit payments does not predate the refusal of asylum.
As soon as the Benefits Agency (BA) is notified of the Home Office's decision on an asylum application an adjudication officer reviews the customer's entitlement to income support, from the date the Home Office's decision is recorded. The customer is notified of the results of the review.
If, following contact from the customer, it appears that notification of the decision to refuse asylum has reached the BA and benefit has been stopped, before the decision has been served on the asylum applicant, BA staff will advise the person to contact the Home Office urgently.
The Home Office are responsible for notifying the asylum seeker of the Home Secretary's decision on their asylum application.
I hope you find this reply helpful.