§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what reciprocal agreement exists between the United Kingdom and Yugoslavia over the payment of social security benefit; which benefits it covers; if it applies to asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement. [125033]
§ Angela EagleThe UK has had a bilateral social security agreement with the former Socialist Republic of Yugoslavia since 1958. Following the break-up of the Republic, the UK continues to apply the agreement to the now separate independent states until such time as revised agreements are entered into with them individually.
The agreement covers Retirement Pension, Widows Benefit, Incapacity Benefit, contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Maternity Benefits, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit and Child Benefit. Where a person does not fully satisfy the conditions for any of those benefits, the agreement can help them qualify if they have contributed to both countries' social security schemes. There is no special provision in the agreement for asylum seekers.