Work and Pensions written question – answered at on 12 October 2011.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to what extent polygamous families are recognised in the benefits system; which benefits and credits may be claimed by such families; and if he will estimate the (a) total financial cost and (b) number of recipients of payment of such benefits in the latest period for which figures are available.
For income-replacement benefits such as income support, income-based jobseeker's allowance and income-related employment and support allowance, the husband and first wife claim as a couple. Subsequent wives receive an additional sum which is less than the single person rate. These benefits are only payable for wives residing in Great Britain.
Housing benefit and council tax benefit entitlement for polygamous families is limited to those living in one property. There are no special rules for a husband to claim housing benefit for more than one property if his wives live separately.
The claimant may claim benefit/tax credits (depending on claim date) for any child or young person for whom he or a partner of his is responsible and who is a member of the same household.
Contributory benefits make no provision for polygamous marriages. Where a man dies leaving two widows, neither gets bereavement benefit. If at the time of his death he leaves a single widow, she could qualify for bereavement benefit.
A member of a polygamous marriage can claim a contributory or income-related benefit in their own right where they satisfy the relevant conditions of entitlement.
Information regarding the cost and number of polygamous households is not available.
However, the current Government have decided to no longer recognise polygamous marriages and there are measures in the Welfare Reform Bill which will bring this change in policy into effect under universal credit as from 2013.
Yes3 people think so
No1 person thinks not
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