Using Threshold tables
General
The thresholds are to be used as a guide to what we expect would meet an asylum seeker's essential living needs. However, each case should be examined on its own merits. Some asylum seekers may have exceptional circumstances, which may cause them to deplete their resources faster than anticipated. For example, they may need to travel to find cheap accommodation or they may need to buy winter clothing. This should be taken into account if it is declared on the application form when determining whether an asylum seeker's funds will meet their essential living needs for 14 days ( or 56 days in the case of a supported asylum seeker)
Using Column 1 of Table A
If an asylum seeker has accommodation and has only applied for subsistence support then you should determine the total funds available to the person are sufficient to meet their essential living needs ( excluding the cost of accommodation). Column 1 in table A reflects the amounts as a general rule which we consider will meet the essential living needs of such persons. The figures are based on the amount of support which supported asylum seekers would receive from NASS over 14 days, were they eligible for support. The figures vary because when giving support, we consider that the amount a person or family requires is different, depending upon the age and make up of the family group. For example it is clear that a family of two adults and a young child will need a different amount to live on than and family of two adults and five children.
Example ( figures for illustration only)Column 1 of table A indicates that, as a general rule, £57.90 will meet the essential living needs of an asylum seeker aged 20 who is living with a friend and has applied for subsistence only.
This figure is based on the NASS weekly support rate, for a 20 year old asylum seeker , of £28.95 multiplied by 2 ( because the person's funds must meet his essential living needs for 14 days ) = £57.90
Using Column 3 of table A
If an asylum seeker has applied for both accommodation and subsistence support it should be determined whether the person’s current accommodation is adequate ( see relevant section). If it is determined that the accommodation is not adequate then it should be determined whether the funds available to the person would meet his or her essential living needs ( including whether it would cover the cost of accommodation). Column 3 therefore contains an accommodation element which is based on what an asylum seeker would have to pay, as a general rule, for accommodation, if they were to be turned away. Accordingly the accommodation element incorporated into column 3 is based on what an asylum seeker may be expected to pay for bed and breakfast accommodation or hostel, and is set at £15 per day ( per person). This is not considered unreasonable and may be compared with the Department of Environment, Transport and Regions Rent Officer statistics on Local Reference Rent for January to March 1999 which indicates that the average price of private lettings with one room accommodation and substantial board and attendance ( which includes hostels and bed and breakfast accommodation) in England is £12.17 per day ( out of a total of 1,324 cases).
The subsistence element of column 4 is based upon the NASS support rates ( for an explanation see above) but with a deduction of £1.10 per day (per person) because the assumption is that a refused asylum seeker would probably initially find a bed and breakfast accommodation ( see also relevant section on deductions from support for bed and breakfast and other meals).
Example ( figures are for illustration only and may have been rounded up or down)Column 3 of table A indicates that, as a general rule, £252.50 will meet the essential living needs of an asylum seeker aged 20 who has applied for accommodation and subsistence support and does not currently have adequate accommodation.
This figure is based on the NASS weekly support rate, for a 20 year old asylum seeker , of £28.95, less £1.10 per day ( deduction for breakfast), multiplied by 2 ( because the person's funds must meet his essential living needs for 14 days ) = £42.50, plus £210 for accommodation ( at £15 per day for 14 days)
INCOME / ASSETS / WEEKLY
INCOME
Single person aged 25 or over / 73.08 / 36.54 / 267.68 / 133.84
Single person aged 18 to 24 / 57.90 / 28.95 / 252.50 / 126.25
Couple / 114.74 / 57.37 / 503.94 / 251.97
Lone Parent / 73.08 / 36.54 / 267.68 / 133.84
Children aged 16 and 17 / 63.50 / 31.75 / 258.10 / 129.05
Children aged under 16 / 53.20 / 26.60 / 247.80 / 123.90