BENEFIT SYSTEMS IN

Public Funds - Access to the UK benefits System If you are in the UK on a temporary visa in most cases you cannot claim public funds. Generally, the only people who can claim public funds are British citizens, those with permanent residence, refugees and their dependents, and those with exceptional leave to remain. There are very few other circumstances, if eligible, in which you can claim public funds.

If you are not in any of the above visa categories you must be able to support and accommodate yourself without claiming the following benefits that come under public funds: Income Support and Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) Housing and homelessness assistance Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Working Families' Tax Credit A social fund payment Child Benefit Any disability allowance It is usually the case that most people with some sort of long term temporary status in the UK will be eligible to State funded medical treatment and education, and local benefits. Benefits you can receive…

Jobseekers Allowance.. The type and amount of Jobseekers Allowance you may qualify for depends on your circumstances. It aims to: reduce the number of households where currently no one works by requiring both members of a couple to look for work or training help you, if you are working part time, to increase your hours or improve your employment prospects. Both members of a couple satisfying certain criteria will be required to be available for work as a condition of receiving Jobseeker's Allowance (Income Based).You can get advice on all aspects of Jobseekers Allowance at the Social Security or Jobs & Benefits office.

Child Benefits.. Child Benefit is a tax-free payment that you can claim for your child. It is usually paid every four weeks but in some cases can be paid weekly, and there are separate rates for each child. The payment can be claimed by anyone who qualifies, whatever their income or savings.

BY ROWAN AND KIRSTY