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<p>Additional support is in place to assist refugees in making a claim for Universal
Credit: refugees who are able to provide their biometric residence permit or evidence
of their refugee status can be fast tracked through the habitual residency test process;
a work coach can use other methods to identify a person where someone does not have
ID, including the use of biographical questions; Measures are in place to make payments
through other methods where someone does not have a bank account, including post office
card accounts or the Payment Exception Service, and a work coach can help people through
the process of setting up a bank account where appropriate.</p><p> </p><p>Claimants
that are required to provide evidence of their right to reside are subject to the
Habitual Residence Test (HRT). The HRT contains two elements: an assessment of the
legal right of residence and an assessment of factual habitual residence. We have
made this process quicker for refugees by ensuring that refugees who provide documentation
which confirms their legal right to reside in the UK will satisfy the HRT and that
refugees are exempt from the assessment of factual habitual residence if the Home
Office have granted them leave to remain in the UK with recourse to public funds.</p><p>
</p><p>New claimants, including refugees, can apply for a Universal Credit new claim
advance so they do not have to wait to receive financial support. This is an advance
of up to 100% of their total expected award, which is paid back over a period of up
to 12 months. In the Autumn Budget 2018, we announced that from October 2021, the
payback period for these advances will be extended further, to up to 16 months.</p><p>
</p><p>Staff also have access to information on services and support available in
their local area for vulnerable claimants, including refugees.</p>
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