How to Apply for Asylum Support in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide for Applicants
If you’ve applied for asylum in the UK and you’re struggling to afford housing or daily expenses, you may be eligible for asylum support. But how do you actually apply? What help can you expect? And who can get it?
In this guide, we’re going to break it all down, step-by-step. Whether you’ve just submitted your asylum claim or you’re waiting for a decision, we’ll walk you through what you need to know, all in clear, easy-to-understand terms.
What Is Asylum Support?
Let’s start with the basics. Not everyone who applies for asylum in the UK can work straight away. That’s why the UK government offers financial help and housing to people who can’t support themselves while their asylum claim is being considered. This is what’s known as asylum support.
Think of it like a safety net. If you don’t have enough money for essentials like food, clothes, or a place to stay, asylum support can help cover the basics while you wait for a decision on your case.
Who Can Get Asylum Support?
To qualify, you must meet the following conditions:
- You’ve applied for asylum in the UK
- You don’t have a place to live or money to support yourself
It doesn’t matter if you applied recently or you’ve been waiting a while. If your circumstances change along the way—for example, you run out of money—you can still apply for support at any time.
What Kind of Help Can You Receive?
Depending on your situation, there are a few types of support you could get. Let’s take a closer look:
1. Financial Support
This usually comes in the form of a payment card, called an ASPEN card. Think of it like a bank card that’s topped up weekly by the government. You can use this to pay for essentials like groceries, toiletries, and clothes—but not alcohol or cigarettes.
- As of early 2024, the standard amount is £47.39 per person per week
- Pregnant women or families with young children may receive additional help
2. Housing Support
If you have nowhere to live, the government might provide you with accommodation. This could be:
- Temporary housing (like a hotel, if there’s no immediate housing available)
- Longer-term housing provided by a housing contractor
Here’s the thing to know: you can’t choose where you’ll live. The accommodation is assigned based on availability. It might not be in the city where you first applied, so be prepared for a move.
3. Emergency Support
Have you suddenly found yourself without food or shelter before making an asylum claim? You might get Section 98 support, which is emergency short-term help while your full application for support is processed.
Later, once your situation is reviewed more fully, this help may continue under a type of support called Section 95 support.
How to Apply for Asylum Support
Now that we know what asylum support is and who can get it, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to actually apply. Don’t worry—it’s not as difficult as it might seem. Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Know When to Apply
You can apply for asylum support right:
- After making your asylum claim
- If your financial situation changes later
It’s okay if you didn’t apply immediately after claiming asylum. The system allows you to apply whenever you’re in need.
Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form (ASF1)
The main application form is called an ASF1 form. This asks for information about your:
- Personal details (name, age, contacts)
- Asylum claim status
- Living situation
- Income, savings, or possessions
If filling out forms isn’t your strong suit, don’t worry. You can get help from support organizations, charities, or solicitors familiar with asylum law.
Step 3: Submit Evidence
You’ll need to prove that you don’t have the money to support yourself. Examples of evidence include:
- Bank statements (if you have a bank account)
- Letters from people you were staying with
- Any health or support letters if applicable
The more detailed and clear your evidence, the better your chances of a smooth process.
Step 4: Send Your Application
If you’re in temporary housing (like in a hotel provided by the Home Office), staff might help submit your form.
If you’re not in housing and don’t know where to send it, here’s what you should do:
- Contact Migrant Help—an organization working with the Home Office to assist asylum seekers. They can guide you through the process.
- Call their free 24/7 helpline: 0808 8010 503
Alternatively, a caseworker or legal representative can also help submit everything on your behalf.
What Happens After You Apply?
Once your application is received, the Home Office will review it to decide if you qualify. This can take some time—so patience is key.
If approved, you’ll receive either:
- A payment card for your weekly allowance
- Government accommodation (if you requested housing)
If your application is rejected, don’t panic. You’ll get a letter explaining why, and you can choose to appeal the decision. You can also apply again later if your situation changes.
Need Extra Help or Advice?
If you’re unsure about anything during the process—applying, finding your form, or gathering evidence—help is available:
- Migrant Help: Offers free advice to asylum seekers in the UK. They can explain your rights and help with forms.
- Legal Advisors: Some organizations offer free legal aid, especially if you’re in a vulnerable situation.
Real-Life Example: “Sarah’s Story”
Let’s make this even clearer with an example.
Imagine Sarah, a young woman who just arrived in the UK to apply for asylum. She doesn’t know anyone in the country and has no money. She’s staying at a friend’s place, but they can only offer temporary shelter.
Sarah applies for asylum and learns about asylum support. Her solicitor helps her complete the ASF1 form. She provides evidence that she has no income and no permanent address. Within a few weeks, Sarah begins receiving financial support and is placed into temporary housing.
Sarah’s story is just one of many. The asylum support system might not be perfect, but it exists to help people like her through incredibly difficult times.
Tips for a Smoother Application
Before we wrap up, here are a few helpful tips:
- Gather documents early: If you have any bank records or letters from friends or charities, keep them ready.
- Get support: Don’t be afraid to ask organizations like Migrant Help or a solicitor for advice—they’re there for this reason.
- Keep copies of everything: If you mail or email forms, keep a copy of what you sent for your records.
Final Thoughts
Applying for asylum support in the UK can seem overwhelming—but with the right guidance, it gets easier. Whether you’re new to the asylum system or just now facing financial hardship, support is available.
Remember, you’re not alone. There are people and services ready to help you through each step. The key is to be honest, thorough, and to reach out when things get tough.
For the most up-to-date information and details on how to apply, visit the official government page: