Post Leave to Remain Support: Policy for supporting clients who are entitled to claim benefits
These clients may be new referrals or existing SWVG clients. They should show that they have explored all possible sources of alternative support (eg friends, relatives) before applying for ASSIST.
- SWVG will pay subsistence at the usual rate for up to 8 weeks after being granted LR, stopping when the client is in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance or Sickness Allowance. For those clients on NASS, who are usually given 4 weeks’ notice of support ending, SWVG will pay the following 4 weeks’ subsistence to allow 8 weeks for benefits to start.
- If SWVG is paying rent, this will continue for a maximum of 8 weeks.
- SWVG will not provide new accommodation to clients with Leave to Remain who can claim benefits. Two Saints can provide help and have a list of places where they can find accommodation. We recommend that clients and visitors try to arrange for their Housing Benefit to be paid directly to their landlord.
- Advice on applying for benefits and getting accommodation We will normally refer clients to CLEAR (or Family Mosaic) who are better able to advise on procedures and respond to difficulties with benefits and accommodation. Temporary emergency accommodation is available in Southampton for those eligible for benefits (eg Salvation Army, Patrick House, YMCA) and food/showers/laundry are available at Two Saints.
Last Updated: 27/03/2019 – Next Update Due: