Supporting Transition from Asylum Seeker to Refugee in the UK
Assisting individuals in the asylum-to-refugee transition in the UK involves addressing the challenges faced during this process, such as the 28-day grace period, accessing benefits like Universal Credit, finding Housing, Employment, and managing day-to-day responsibilities. Providing support with obtaining necessary paperwork, including the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) and National Insurance Number (NINo), can significantly aid in navigating the transition smoothly.
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THEY THINK ITS ALL OVER SUPPORTING PEOPLE IN THE TRANSITION BETWEEN SEEKING ASYLUM AND BEING A REFUGEE IN THE UK
WHAT WILL WE COVER? Not EVERYTHING! The 28 day grace period Accessing mainstream benefits and some tips Universal Credit Accessing Housing Finding Employment Managing finances inc.Utilities
THE BIG PICTURE Seeking asylum can be painful and long and disempowering and the process takes an emotional toll. They will probably have lived in NASS accommodation with subsistence but may not of learned about the day to day responsibilities of life in the UK. What day to day skills have we learned by living in the UK ?
THE 28 DAY PERIOD From the date of the determination of asylum claim letter you are given 28 days to leave your accommodation. There is much opposition to this short window as so few people are able to avoid a period of destitution once receiving the status. There are delays in receiving paperwork, waiting lists for accommodation, delays receiving benefits etc
HOW CAN WE HELP? Ensure that they have received all the relevant Home Office paperwork Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) NINo (National Insurance Number) NASS35 Letter from Housing Provider
THE NATIONAL INSURANCE NUMBER At interview, an asylum seeker should be asked if they want the case owner to apply for NINo. If they answer yes, then it should be provided with or soon after determination. But in practice Apply for benefits whether the NINo has been received or not, work to the point where NINo is needed but sure it is requested that JCP apply for it at beginning of process. Check with HO whether NINo has been applied for. When JCP is contacted ask for it to be applied for. Some people just find it too frustrating to wait, but this can slow benefits down overall. Is it for work or benefits? NINo helpline is 0345 600 0643.
ACCESSING BENEFITS SEEK SPECIALIST ADVICE IF IN DOUBT Universal Credit Roll out across UK. Are you a full Service Area? Pension Credit Job SeekersAllowance Child Benefit(backdating) Employment SupportAllowance Tax Credits Income Support CarersAllowance Personal Independence Payment Housing Benefit
WHERE TO START .GOV.UK has phone numbers/links to get you started applying for benefits. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/universal-credit-toolkit-for-partner-organisations https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/ Online benefits calculators Local support/benefit charities/agencies Build relationship with local contacts eg JCP social inclusion managers, banks, advice centres, refugee groups with specialists, local authority The challenge of online systems and automated services, forms
TOP TIPS FOR STARTING CLAIMS Get the name and call centre location if on the phone to DWP. Ask for a interpreter (don t be tempted to do it yourself!). Allow time- phone applications with interpreter can be lengthy (40 mins) and make sure they have the clients phone number- calls seem to drop out then back to square one. Ask for NINo appointment at first opportunity. Support with IT and starting calls but aim to empower individuals to be responsible for their own claim. Culture of growing independence. Polite and tenacious is a great combination!
OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT Refugees often have several unsuccessful attempts at opening bank accounts Not enough documentation Credit checks on houses of HMO. Credit Union Post Office Account Ask for Simple Payment - apparently they are being phased out but still possible. Be tenacious!
HELP WITH DESTITUTION Local Authorities! Foodbank Local/national charities Friends Keep pressing if things are not moving What needs to be done? Advance payments of benefits
FINDING A PLACE TO LIVE 3 letters Positive Decision & BRP, NINo, NASS35 letter & 28 day notice to leave the house from Housing Provider Sofa surfing in NASS houses Moving to another area of the UK The pressure from family (older members) & community. Sense of honour just can t say know The promise of work in other towns and cities Not priority homeless in other areas
FINDING A PLACE TO LIVE Under 35 the options are limited because of housing rates-single room Single room shared accommodation rate ( 57.34 in Teesside(under 35 s)) More options for over 35 s ( 83.78) Declaring oneself homeless on last day in NASS-capacity Local Homeless service No second night out B&B + Hostels, Refugees at Home, Homeless Sector, Local Authority Bid for social housing (benefits) Families and women are priority
FINDING A PLACE TO STAY NACCOM Refugee Housing Single rooms, joint tenancies and families It is not possible to get a family house until the family are in the UK. Private rented with bond/rent guarantee scheme Only 2 choices on bidding
MAKING A HOUSE A HOME Setting up a house can be very daunting. Most private or publicly owned houses have no furniture, white goods or carpets. Cleaning, painting, practical DIY and finding furniture and household goods Local charity shops and furniture projects Don t be afraid to ask (throw away society) and don t be afraid to offer. One persons junk is another persons treasure! Integration Loans/Community Care Grants but be careful.
UNDERSTANDING THE JOB CENTRE! Fulfilling the requirements of the Job Centre- UC online journal, claimant commitment. Dealing with the language barrier Dealing with cultural expectations whilst communicating (or not!) Avoiding sanctions- fulfilling the requirements of the claimant commitment JC staff have differing degrees of expertise with refugee s unique situation Refugee Work Culture. No concept of benefits!
APPLYING FOR WORK Spending time helping our refugee friends navigate UK work culture. Helping with online Universal Job Match. Remember to communicate what you are doing. Language barriers at the Job Centre. Making a CV, articulating previous work history. Is there a local Refugee Work Club? Why not start one? Why not bring your friend and come and help!
MANAGING MONEY Becoming a Refugee brings new obligations. Managing money & avoiding debt are key in 1styear. Remember as an asylum seeker there was limited responsibilities with regards budgeting. Family separation can lead to wrong decisions. Getting along side and helping with budgeting. The temptation of the West. Credit & signing up for things New responsibilities with Universal Credit
UTILITIES Understanding & managing utility bills can be a nightmare. Fuel poverty is a real issue today & a real danger for new refugees. NASS house heating gives a false expectation Help to find the cheapest tariffs & easiest contracts There are some discounts eg winter fuel allowance etc Pre payment meters Helping with budgeting & encouraging the wearing of extra layers
FAMILY REUNION Be aware that your friend may be separated from family Family reunion can be possible but takes time Can be all consuming & can cause real issues with a persons mental and physical health. We had someone wait 8 years for reunion British Red Cross are here to help also Immigration Sol. Travel Documents and 3rdcountry reunions
FINAL THOUGHTS So you think it is all over is more Now it really has begun! Understand the cultural background of your friends. You will make mistakes, we have made many! Ask 3 times, visit them, learn a few words, be intentional, Support local projects that help refugees to integrate and if they don t exist why not start one?
