3 hours Ago By The Guardian
A minister has apologised after people entitled to benefits wrongly received letters informing them their financial support was being axed, the Guardian has learned. The error was due to flaws in the system of eVisas, concerns about which have been raised over whether they will work when people and then try to return to the UK. The new visas come into force at the end of this month, although the government has for those using the eVisas to return to the UK when they’re abroad until next March.
The latest problem to hit the eVisa rollout is a lack of communication between the Home Office and Department for Work and Pensions technology. Physical identity documents held by many people, such as biometric residence permits (BRPs), have been programmed to expire on 31 December when eVisas are due to replace them. But migrants’ rights to reside in the UK do not necessarily expire on that date.
NGOs have been alerted to cases where migrants reliant on benefits have received letters terminating them because the 31 December expiry date of BRPs has been taken by DWP to mean their entitlement to benefits expires then, too. The DWP has admitted automatic notification letters have been sent to some migrants terminating their benefits due to this error and that officials are now “suppressing” these automatic notifications. In a letter seen by the Guardian, the minister for transformation at the DWP, Andrew Western, said: “I want to extend my apologies for claim-closure letters being sent in error, and for any concern and distress caused to the individuals.
” DWP officials say that work is ongoing to identify people with a physical BRP expiring on 31 December 2024 and updating records with accurate immigration status end dates. Examples of migrants experiencing problems with incorrect termination of benefits include: • A torture survivor granted refugee status on 1 March 2021 for five years. His BRP is only valid until 31 December 2024.
He is in receipt of personal independence payment (Pip). On 2 July 2024, he received a letter stating that his Pip would end on 31 December 2024. No reason from the DWP was given.
• A refugee family applied for universal credit in January 2024. An eligibility assessment determined that the family is entitled to this benefit. But the decision letter states that they will need to review the decision on 31 December 2024.
• A person with indefinite leave to remain was told by the DWP that she needed to reapply for attendance allowance and pension credit, as it is due to end in December. This person is severely disabled, cannot move without severe pain, and is mostly housebound. Andreea Dumitrache from the campaign group the3million said: “Despite Home Office assurances throughout 2024 that they were engaging with DWP on the eVisa rollout, we continued to see people receiving letters directly from the DWP telling them their benefits would be terminated at the end of December.
“It’s a positive step forward that the DWP acknowledged and apologised for these errors, and are working towards preventing further harm. We remain concerned, as we continue to hear that individual DWP decision makers are clearly still unaware of the difference between when people’s leave expires and the expiry of their immigration cards and permits.” Brian Dikoff, legal officer at the char Migrants Organise, said: “The hostile environment policy turns essential public services into border guards.
Next year, as physical proof of status expires and people struggle to show their immigration status, many will be denied access to their rights and entitlements. DWP sources confirmed that staff had received more training about the rollout of eVisas and more robust processes were now in place. A DWP spokesperson said: “A small number of claim closure letters were sent in error and we want to reassure customers who have an ongoing immigration status will continue to receive the benefits they are entitled to.
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