Extra payments to Muslim men with multiple wives

New guidelines on income support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) provide for extra payments to Muslim men with multiple wives. This will benefit Muslim men who, under Sharia law are permitted up to four wives. The rules state: "Where there is a valid polygamous marriage the claimant and one spouse will be paid the couple rate (£92.80). “The amount payable for each additional spouse is presently £33.65." Income support for all of the wives may be paid directly into the husband's bank account, if the family so choose.

08 February 2008