- Legislation to ensure UK nationals and other eligible groups
impacted by the conflict in Israel and Gaza are eligible for
benefits, social housing and homelessness assistance when they
arrive.
New rules come into force today to ensure British citizens and
anyone eligible for support fleeing the violence in Israel, the
Occupied Palestinian Territories - including the Gaza Strip – and
Lebanon will be exempt from the residency tests and therefore
able to access benefits and services faster on arrival in the
UK.
The changes make sure those fleeing the conflict can claim
benefits - including Universal Credit, disability and child
benefit - social housing and homelessness assistance, where
needed, without delay.
Most arrivals will be able to move quickly on to their onwards
destination, either their own home or that of family and friends.
When arrivals do not have immediate accommodation available, the
local authority may provide emergency overnight accommodation and
then support people into more secure accommodation. Those who
meet the exemption will be supported more quickly, giving
security during a time of significant upheaval. These changes
will not impact who local housing authorities should prioritise
for social housing.
The Government is also ensuring that compensation paid under the
Victims of Overseas Terrorism Compensation Scheme, including to
the victims of the Hamas attack on Israel, will not be counted
when calculating entitlement to income-related benefits, such as
Universal Credit. This means such payments will not stop
individuals being entitled to benefits or reduce the amount they
are entitled to.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, ,
says:
“We’ve been working quickly to ensure British nationals arriving
from Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Lebanon can
receive the support and security they need during a time of
unspeakable turmoil.
“As the UK continues to step up its response to the fast-moving
circumstances in the region, the regulations which come into
force today will speed up access to benefits, ensuring those
eligible can access the help they need.”
Communities Minister said:
“The UK will do everything it can to support those impacted by
Hamas’ appalling terrorist attack on Israel and today’s changes
will ensure that British nationals and other specific eligible
groups fleeing the violence in this region have access to the
support they need when they arrive in the UK.”
The Government stands firm behind Israel’s right to defend itself
against the unforgivable terrorist atrocities committed by Hamas
and continues to provide strong support for Jewish communities in
the UK. Last week the Prime Minister also announced £3 million of
additional funding provided to the Community Security Trust
(CST), an organisation established to protect British Jews from
antisemitism and related threats.
The Government is working closely with faith communities, local
authorities, and other organisations to support the British
Palestinian community deeply concerned about the
humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank.
Earlier this week, the Prime Minister announced £30 million increase in
humanitarian support for the Occupied Palestinian
Territories – more than doubling the UK’s existing
commitment for this year from £27 million to £57
million.
Ends
- DWP regulations are GB wide, with some provisions restricted
to England and Wales only. The Scottish Government and Northern
Ireland Executive will lay corresponding SIs to an equivalent
timeline. HMRC regulations are UK wide. DLUCH legislation will
cover England, Scotland and Northern Ireland and we have their
agreement to legislate on their behalf. We are engaging with
Welsh Government officials on their approach since they legislate
in parallel in matters of devolved competence.
