How to Get Asylum Support in the UK: Your Step-by-Step Guide
If you've come to the UK seeking asylum, you're likely facing a lot of uncertainty—Where will you live? How will you support yourself while waiting for a decision? Fortunately, asylum support exists to help you. This blog post breaks everything down in plain, simple language so you know your rights and how to apply for help while your asylum claim is being processed.
Whether you're just starting your asylum journey or already in the middle of it, this guide will walk you through asylum support eligibility, how to apply, and what kind of help is available. Let’s dive in!
What Is Asylum Support in the UK?
Asylum support is financial and housing assistance provided by the UK government to people seeking asylum. You're not allowed to work while your asylum claim is being processed (except in very rare situations), so asylum support helps cover your basic living needs.
Who Can Get Asylum Support?
The first question many people ask is, Am I eligible? You can apply for asylum support if:
- You’ve already applied for asylum in the UK
- You don’t have a place to live
- You don’t have money for basic needs like food, clothing, or hygiene
This type of help is only for people living in the UK while waiting for a decision on their asylum application. If you've already received a decision (either granted or refused), then you may qualify for a different type of support or be directed to other government services.
Example:
Imagine Noor, who arrived in the UK and immediately applied for asylum. She was given no right to work, and no place to stay. As a result, she was eligible to apply for asylum support, which provided her with temporary accommodation and a small amount of money each week.
What Help Can You Get with Asylum Support?
Once you're approved, you may receive:
- Housing in a shared accommodation – This could be anywhere in the UK. You don't get to choose the location.
- Financial support – You’ll receive a prepaid debit card called an ASPEN card, loaded with money weekly to help cover food, toiletries, and other essentials.
At the time of writing, the amount is around £47.39 per week for each person. This can change, so always check the latest figures.
Some may also receive short-term emergency housing while waiting for their full application to be processed. This is called Section 98 support and is useful if you are completely destitute right after applying for asylum.
What’s Included and What’s Not?
Let’s make this clear—while the support includes necessities like a place to stay and basic funds, it does not include luxury items, entertainment, or the freedom to choose where in the UK you live.
Types of Asylum Support
The government has three main types of asylum support. Here’s a quick overview:
Section 98 Support – Emergency Aid
- Given immediately after you make your asylum claim and don’t have a place to stay.
- Short-term accommodation while your full application is considered.
Section 95 Support – Main Support
- Ongoing housing and money while you wait for a decision on your asylum claim.
- Most common type of asylum support.
Section 4 Support – Post Refusal Help
- Available for those whose asylum claim has been refused but they can’t yet leave the UK due to specific reasons (e.g., medical reasons, no safe route home).
If this sounds confusing, think of it like stages:
Stage 1: You’ve just arrived → Section 98
Stage 2: Your claim is now in progress → Section 95
Stage 3: Claim refused, but you're still in the UK → Section 4
How to Apply for Asylum Support
Now the big question—how do you actually apply?
Step 1: Apply for Asylum
Before you can ask for support, you have to apply for asylum first. You’ll usually do this at the airport, port, or soon after arriving in the UK. You can also call the asylum intake unit to book an appointment.
Step 2: Request Emergency Help (if needed)
If you’re homeless and have no money, request Section 98 support right after your asylum application. You can do this through your immigration officer or legal representative.
Step 3: Apply for Section 95 Support
Download the ASF1 application form from the UK government website, or ask a legal adviser to help you with it. Send it by post or email to the details listed on the form.
You’ll need to provide details like:
- Your asylum claim number
- Information about your living situation
- Any money or assets you have
It’s okay if English is not your first language—get help from organizations like Migrant Help, Refugee Council, or your solicitor.
How Will You Be Contacted?
You’ll be contacted by the Home Office about your support application. If approved, you’ll get:
- A letter confirming what kind of support you’ll receive
- Details about your accommodation
- Instructions for using your ASPEN card
When Does Asylum Support End?
Your support will stop if:
- Your asylum claim is accepted – You’ll have 28 days to move and find work or apply for normal benefits like Universal Credit.
- Your asylum claim is refused – Unless you qualify for Section 4 support, asylum assistance ends.
Helpful Tip:
Don’t wait until the last minute to plan your next steps. If your application is approved or refused, speak to a support worker or a charity like the Refugee Council to understand your options before your support ends.
Can You Work While Getting Asylum Support?
Usually, asylum seekers are not allowed to work in the UK. However, there are rare cases where you may be able to take a job if it’s on the government’s shortage occupation list and it's been over 12 months since you applied.
In most cases, asylum support is your main option for surviving while waiting for a decision.
Where Can You Get More Help?
There are charities and organizations across the UK that help asylum seekers with applying for support, legal advice, and settling into temporary housing. Some helpful names include:
- Migrant Help
- Refugee Council
- Asylum Aid
They can assist with the application forms, make phone calls on your behalf, and explain your rights in your native language.
Final Thoughts
Going through the asylum process can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re in a new country with nowhere to turn. But remember, you don’t have to go through it alone. The UK government has systems in place to provide temporary support while your application is reviewed.
Understanding what you're entitled to and how to apply makes a huge difference. Reach out to people and organizations that can help—it’s okay to ask for support on your journey to safety.
For the most up-to-date information and to start an application, visit the official UK government site:
