“They think its all over…” – notes to accompany presentation at NACCOM 2017 conference How can we help people transition from being an asylum seeker to independently living as a refugee in the UK? In this workshop we will take a look at some of the biggest issues that can be faced when granted leave to remain, and ideas on how to respond. These include Accessing Housing and Benefits, Finding Employment, Managing Money and Managing Utilities There once was a man who claimed asylum, at his substantive interview his case owner applied for a NINo, because the man agreed, and when his claim was believed he was sent a BRP, NASS 35 and NINo. He applied for UC , opened a bank account, applied successfully for a home, learnt English and got a job and lived hap pily ever after… The Big Picture Seeking asylum in the UK can be a long, hard fought battle to be recognised as a refugee. Most people have hopes, dreams and aspirations for their new life in the UK as well as safety. They may have lived in crowed NASS accommodation, found new friends, begun to learn a new language and be adapting to a new life in the UK. The hard facts are that a newly recognised refugee gets 28 days to move out from NASS support (subsistence and accommodation) and have everything in place to launch themselves in the UK. What is needed? A furnished place to live with utilities in place Finding a job/access to finances Or Register for housing/stay with friends/ Registering for benefits/understanding the benefits system! Using a computer/websites Opening a bank account Applying for Work Universal Credit Child Benefit and other benefits Universal Job match National Insurance Number: “ In some cases your UKVI case owner will have applied for a NINO for you and you should have received a letter telling you what it is. It consists of 2 letters followed by 6 numbers and a letter, for example QQ 12 34 56 A. You do not need a NINO for your benefits claim to be made. However if you do not have a NINO you should tell DWP at the start of your claim. DWP will search their computer system and if your NINO is not found, will apply for a NINO on your behalf as part of your claim to benefit. You may be asked to go to a separate interview for the NINO. Evidence of your identity and your status in the UK will be required. ”
(from July 2017) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/refugees-guidance-about- benefits-and-pensions/help-available-from-the-department-for-work-and-pensions-for- people-who-have-been-granted-leave-to-remain-in-the-uk ) AT THE START of the claim, ask for help applying for a NINo-within UC this is when you first make an appointment with JCP at end of online/telephone application. Often, clients get desperate and phone NINo appointment line forcing them to say that they are working to get an appointment! NINo line is 0345 600 0643 Finding a source of help/support/advice CAB/local advice projects/refugee charities Accessing the job centre Learning English How to manage my money Understanding and managing utility bills Getting household items Accessing benefits- www.gov.uk/benefits Universal Credit- apply online JSA/ESA/Income Support/Pension Credit/ https://www.gov.uk/guidance/universal-credit-toolkit-for-partner-organisations https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/ How to help Walk the process with someone. Understand the system. Ask questions. Be tenacious and polite! Save helpful phone numbers. Ask for their name and call centre. Create an environment of growing independence. Ask for DWP interpreter and make sure DWP have your number in case you get cut off! Phone interviews are lengthy (around 40 mins). Make a relationship with LA/JCplus/CAB/banks Bank Accounts Benefits cannot be paid without an account!
Bank/ building society require documentation that a refugee may not have until benefits are in place. Simple Payment Card until benefits in place and address is secure? DWP would set this up but someone needs to suggest this to DWP. DWP continues to say that simple payment cards are being phased out except in exceptional circumstances. You may need to be persistent!
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