Social Security Benefits: Polygamy
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, for what reason the benefits system continues to recognise polygamy in social security regulations.
Answered by Sir Stephen Timms
Polygamous marriages are illegal in the UK. Immigration rules have generally prevented the formation of polygamous households in this country since 1988. Benefit support is only available where the marriage took place in a country where the practice is legal.
There is no financial benefit in these cases as more would be paid in benefits if the additional spouse claimed as a single person.
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