Why should asylum seekers be allowed to receive benefits and free services?
Asylum seekers cannot claim mainstream welfare benefits including income support and Housing Benefit. Those who meet a destitution test are supported by a Home Office department called the National Asylum Support Service (NASS). The cost of supporting and housing asylum seekers does not come out of local Council Tax. The full costs of housing and supporting asylum seekers are paid by the Home Office direct to the Council, private housing providers, and asylum seekers (weekly cash payments – see below for amounts). Since 23 July 2002 asylum seekers are not allowed to work until they are granted either refugee or humanitarian status. This means they are dependent on government support. Asylum seekers considered destitute receive weekly cash payments which are equivalent to 70% of regular income support. The current amounts paid (April 2008) are set out below: Qualifying couple £66.13 Lone parent aged 18 or over £42.16 Single person aged 25 or over £42.10 Single person aged 24 £33.39 Youn
