§ Ms Jane GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has to reinstate benefits for asylum seekers. [2439]
Mr. BradleyWe are committed to a wide ranging review of Social Security: our aim is to encourage independence and reduce poverty. The position of asylum seekers will be considered as part of this review.
Following the Home Secretary's declaration on 16 May 1997 of Zaire as a country of upheaval, a Zairean national who entered previously and applies for asylum within three months of the declaration being made, is eligible to claim income support, income based jobseeker's allowance, housing benefit and council tax benefit while his or her asylum application is considered by the Home Office.