Didier is quite right. The message is a
politicised hoax and appears to be a UK-specific reworking of one which has circulated in other countries. I say "UK-specific", but the figures are
totally fabricated.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/documents/digitalasset/dg_193028.pdfThe figures for Pension Credit* and Income Support are given on that page. There are two columns on that page. The figures to the right are the 2011-12 rates in pounds sterling.
PENSION CREDIT Standard minimum guarantee:
- couple £202.40 (2010-11) £209.70 (2011-12)
[* Pension Credit is the means-tested guarantee for pensions. If a pensioner's income, including their Retirement Pension, is less than the above figures, it will be topped up to the relevant amount, supplemented by (where necessary and appropriate) council tax benefit and housing benefit.]
Asylum seekers may be entitled to Asylum Support.
http://govanintegration.wordpress.com/2011/04/06/support-levels-for-asylum-seekers-on-s95-for-2011-12/The relevant Asylum Support rates are given on that page. An asylum-seeking couple (both over 25) with two children, entitled to Asylum Support, would get £72.52 (couple rate) + £52.96 (child 1) + £52.96 (child 2). That's £178.44, which is £31.26 less than a non-disabled pensioner couple would be guaranteed as a minimum. And that includes the rates for two children and needs to support four people.
For a single asylum seeker, the rate is £36.62 a week, as compared with a Pension Credit (guarantee) rate of £137.35 a week for a single pensionr.
Them's the (correct) facts, folks.
Trust me...
JN