Social Security Benefits: Polygamy

Department for Work and Pensions written question – answered am ar 22 Mai 2024.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Baroness Buscombe Baroness Buscombe Chair, Draft Mental Health Bill (Joint Committee), Chair, Draft Mental Health Bill (Joint Committee)

To ask His Majesty's Government whether the benefits system continues to recognise polygamy in social security regulations and, if so, why.

Photo of Viscount Younger of Leckie Viscount Younger of Leckie The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions

Polygamous marriages are illegal in the UK

Universal Credit does not recognise polygamous households in the benefit system. Any adults living in the household would each have to claim as a single person on the basis of their own circumstances.

Benefits such as Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance and Housing Benefit do recognise a small number of polygamous marriages which took place in a jurisdiction where polygamy is permitted. This number is very small and declining, since the Immigration Act 1988, it has not been possible for people polygamously married overseas to bring second wives to the UK through the spouse visa route.

Does this answer the above question?

Yes3 people think so

No14 people think not

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