The Home Office can provide housing and financial support to a person who has claimed asylum if they do not have accommodation and/ or cannot afford to meet their essential living needs. This support is provided under section 95 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 and will continue until the person’s asylum claim is finally determined by the Home Office or appeal courts.
What support is available?
| Housing | This could be in a flat, house, hostel or bed and breakfast. |
| Cash Support | The support is currently £45 for each person in a household. This is intended for things like food, clothing and toiletries. The allowance is loaded onto a debit card (ASPEN card) each week. |
Extra money is available for pregnant people and those with children under 3.
How to claim?
People need to apply using form ASF1 to claim housing and cash support.
The Home Office’s Asylum helpline should be contacted for help with applications.
Additional Information
A person who is being provided with full-board hotel accommodation will receive a weekly allowance of £9 in addition to receiving food and toiletries. A person who has been provided with hotel accommodation under section 98, whilst their asylum support application is being decided, will not qualify for the weekly allowance until they are eligible for section 95 support.
Section 95 support will be withdrawn if a person is granted leave to remain. A 28-day notice period will be provided to enable the person to make a claim for benefits and access housing assistance from their local council.