How to Apply for Asylum Support in the UK: A Simple Guide to Eligibility and Benefits

Seeking asylum in the UK can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re just trying to find safety and stability for yourself or your family. If you’re unable to work or support yourself financially while waiting on your asylum claim, asylum support might be available to help you with housing and basic needs. But how does it work, and who’s eligible?

Don’t worry—we’ve broken it all down in plain English to help you understand everything you need to know about applying for asylum support in the UK. So, whether you’re applying yourself or helping someone else, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the essentials.

What is Asylum Support?

Let’s start simple. Asylum support is financial help and housing provided by the UK government for people who have applied for asylum and don’t have the means to support themselves.

While you’re waiting for the Home Office to decide on your asylum application, you might not be allowed to work or claim mainstream benefits like Universal Credit. That’s where asylum support steps in to offer some relief.

Who Can Get Asylum Support?

Not everyone can get asylum support. You must meet certain conditions. Here’s who can apply:

• You’ve applied for asylum in the UK (aka you’re an “asylum seeker”).
• You’re waiting for a decision on your asylum claim, appeal, or further submissions.
• You don’t have a place to live, or you’re about to become homeless.
• You don’t have enough money to meet your basic living needs—like food, clothes, and toiletries.

If this sounds like your situation, asylum support might be available. The key takeaway here? You must show that you’re ‘destitute’. That’s the word the government uses when someone doesn’t have a home or can’t afford essential needs.

What if My Claim Was Refused?

Even if your asylum claim has been refused, you might still qualify for support if you meet some specific conditions. For instance:

• You are taking steps to leave the UK.
• You can’t leave the UK for reasons beyond your control (like medical issues).
• You’ve made new representations or a fresh asylum claim.
• You’ve got children under 18 who were part of your household before the asylum decision was made.

So yes, depending on your situation, help may still be available.

What Kind of Support Will I Receive?

Asylum support generally comes in two main forms: financial assistance and housing. Let’s take a closer look at both.

1. Housing

If you don’t have anywhere to live, you’ll be offered accommodation. But here’s the thing—you can’t usually choose where you’ll stay. The Home Office decides and might send you to different parts of the UK.

The good news is that the accommodation is fully paid for. You won’t need to cover rent or bills. These homes are often shared with other asylum seekers, so you won’t be alone.

2. Financial Support

As of now, each person who qualifies for asylum support receives £49.18 per week (that’s just over £7 a day). This money is meant to help with basic essentials like:

• Food
• Clothing
• Toiletries
• Travel (for essential reasons like doctor’s appointments)

The money is typically sent to an ASPEN card—a prepaid debit card you can use in many UK shops and to withdraw cash from machines (though some ATMs may charge you a fee).

Need Extra Help?

If you’re a pregnant woman or you have children under 3, you might be entitled to extra support. For example:

• £3 per week for babies under 1 year old
• £5 per week for children aged 1 to 3

You can also get a one-off payment of £300 when your baby is born to help with supplies and essentials.

How Do I Apply for Asylum Support?

Applying for asylum support is a process, but it’s not as complicated as it may seem. Here’s how to go about it:

Step 1: Apply for Asylum

You can only apply for asylum support if you’ve already submitted your asylum application to the Home Office. If you haven’t done that yet, it’s the first thing to take care of.

Step 2: Prove You Need Support

You’ll need to show the government that you’re destitute. That means providing information about your financial situation. Be ready to share details such as:

• Bank statements (if you have any)
• Proof that you’re homeless or at risk of homelessness
• What little money or assets you may have (if any)

Don’t be afraid of being honest here. It’s meant to help you, not hurt you.

Step 3: Fill In the Form (Form ASF1)

You’ll need to fill in the ASF1 form. This form asks questions about your asylum claim, financial status, and living arrangements.

If you’re in initial accommodation provided by the Home Office, the staff can usually help you get the required form and fill it out. You can also contact Migrant Help for free support.

Step 4: Send in the Application

Once the form is complete, you (or someone helping you) must send it to the Asylum Support Casework team. There are instructions in the form on how to do this.

What Happens After You Apply?

After the Home Office gets your application, they’ll review it and decide whether you’re eligible. They might:

• Approve full support (housing and payments)
• Approve partial support (just housing if that’s what you need)
• Refuse support (if they think you’re not destitute or not eligible)

Sometimes, they might ask for more evidence. Make sure to respond quickly to avoid delays.

Emergency or Temporary Support

Are you homeless or without basic needs right now? You might be able to get emergency short-term support while your full application is being reviewed. Talk to your caseworker or contact Migrant Help at 0808 8010 503 for immediate guidance, 24/7.

Can I Appeal If My Application Is Refused?

Yes. If your asylum support application is rejected, you do have the right to appeal. It’s important to act fast if this happens because you might face homelessness without support.

You can get help with appeals from legal aid advisors or charities that specialize in asylum and refugee services. Don’t hesitate to ask for help—many organizations can walk you through the appeal process.

What If My Circumstances Change?

Life changes, and the Home Office understands that. If your situation changes (like you find a place to live or receive unexpected money), you must inform them as soon as possible. Continuing to receive support without telling them could cause problems later on.

Likewise, if you suddenly need more support—for example, you’ve become pregnant or fallen seriously ill—you might be able to apply for additional help.

Need Help Applying?

You’re not alone. Several groups offer free help for asylum seekers, including:

• Migrant Help: 0808 8010 503 – 24/7 support for asylum seekers.
• Refugee Action
• The British Red Cross
• Local charities working with migrants and refugees

They can help you fill in forms, understand your options, and deal with appeals. It’s okay to ask for help—this process is tough on your own.

Final Thoughts: What’s the Bottom Line?

Applying for asylum support in the UK might feel a bit scary, but it exists to ensure that no one falls through the cracks while they’re waiting for a decision on their claim. If you have no money or no place to stay, this support could be a lifeline for you.

Here’s a quick recap:

• Asylum support provides housing and weekly financial help while you’re waiting for your asylum claim decision.
• You must prove you’re destitute—without money or a place to live.
• Apply using the ASF1 form, or call Migrant Help if you’re unsure where to start.
• If you’re refused, you can appeal.

And remember: You’re not in this alone. Help is out there.

Want to dig deeper into the official guidelines?

Read more: 👉 https://www.gov.uk/asylum-support