Immigrants’ access to social protection is hierarchically organized based on immigration status, residence status, and benefit type. Residents’ British citizens and all immigrants with permanent permission to stay are the most favored under UK law and policy, with full social protection entitlements. The next group after that is EEA immigrants with the right to live, who share most social protection entitlements with British citizens. Finally, non-EEA immigrants on temporary leave are normally barred from receiving any non-contributory benefits, although they are usually eligible for contributory ones.
Non-EEA residents
If their license to stay in the UK is still subject to time limits or other constraints, non-EEA people have no recourse to public funds in the first few years. One exception is those who get humanitarian protection but do not have permanent status.
Public funds
Public services like schools and the National Health Service are not under public funds. When they are given permanent residency, non-EEA nationals who do not have access to public funding are then eligible. Asylum seekers are not eligible for welfare payments while their claims are being processed. They may however qualify for less generous financial help through a distinct Home Office scheme. If they are given refugee status, they can qualify for government aid.
Social welfare and benefit programs available in the UK
The fundamental social benefit categories that are offered in the UK are as follows:
Universal credit
With Universal Credit, a means-tested payment takes the place of housing benefits, jobseeker’s allowance, and income support. It attempts to provide low-income, jobless people, families, and organizations financial support. The plan makes estimates based on income, savings, and housing prices.
Financial Aid for Job Seekers
The Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) provides financial support to individuals actively seeking employment. There are two types: contribution-based JSA and income-based JSA, both considering savings and National Insurance contributions. Qualification requires being available for work, actively job-seeking, and meeting residence requirements.
Employment and support allowance (ESA)
ESA is a payment provided to those whose health prevents them from working or who have a disability that prevents them from doing so. It gives people access to resources for seeking financial aid and assistance finding jobs. ESA is separated into two groups. The Work-Related Activity Group is for those who can work with the required help, whereas the Help Group is for people with significant impairments.
Housing assistance
Housing Benefit helps people and families with the expense of housing rental. The amount of the benefit is determined by some variables, including family size, local housing allowance rates, income, and savings. Both social housing residents and private renters are eligible to apply for housing benefits.
Council tax assistance
Individuals and families that qualify for Council Tax Support get assistance with their council tax obligations. Depending on variables including income, savings, and home structure, eligibility and the amount of help vary. Local governments are in charge of administering Council Tax Support.
Child benefits
Child Benefit offers financial assistance to those in charge of raising children. It is a grant given to qualifying parents or guardians of kids under 16 (or 20 if they’re enrolled in full-time school or training), and it is tax-free. All families are eligible for the Child Benefit regardless of the level of income or savings.
Personal independence payment (PIP)
The Personal Independence Payment is a non-means-tested payment available to those with long-term health conditions or disabilities between the ages of 16 and State Pension age. For new claimants, PIP takes the place of a Disability Living Allowance. An evaluation of a person’s capacity to engage in activities of daily life and mobility forms the basis of the benefit.
Caregiver’s compensation
The caregiver’s compensation program offers financial support to those who care for sick or handicapped people. The caregiver must offer the patient at least 35 hours of care each week in addition to achieving certain income and residency standards.
Healthcare
The National Health Service (NHS) is responsible for providing healthcare in the United Kingdom. The National Health Service is mostly funded by general taxes, with minor contributions from municipal taxes, payroll contributions, and patient payments. The service has managed to deliver typically excellent standards of health care while maintaining relatively cheap expenses. Everyone with a valid residency permit in the UK is eligible for the entire package under the NHS.
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