What financial support do asylum seekers get in the UK?

Asylum seekers who are destitute receive a weekly allowance of £49.18 per person (2026 rate) loaded onto a payment card (ASPEN card). This is for food, clothing, and toiletries. Accommodation and utilities are provided separately.

Can asylum seekers choose where they live?

No. The Home Office provides accommodation on a no-choice basis. You will be housed in an area of the UK that has available accommodation. You can request a specific area but this is not guaranteed.

What happens to support if my claim is refused?

Section 95 support ends 21 days after your appeal rights are exhausted. If you are destitute and face a genuine barrier to leaving the UK, you may apply for Section 4 support, which provides basic accommodation and a payment card.

Can asylum seekers access benefits like Universal Credit?

No. Asylum seekers cannot access mainstream benefits such as Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, or Child Benefit. They receive asylum support instead. If granted refugee status, they can then access the full benefits system.

Asylum Support UK: Accommodation & Financial Help 2026

Asylum seekers who are destitute can receive accommodation and a weekly allowance from the Home Office. Support continues while your claim is being processed and during any appeal. This guide covers the types of support, how to apply, and what changes when your claim is decided.

Types of Asylum Support

The GOV.UK asylum support page sets out the main types of support available:

Section 95 Support (Main Support)

This is the main form of asylum support, available while your asylum claim is being processed. It includes:

Accommodation. Usually in shared housing, hostels, or hotels. The Home Office decides where you live.
Financial support. £49.18 per person per week (2026 rate), loaded onto an ASPEN card for food and essential items.
Utility bills. Covered as part of the accommodation.

You can apply for accommodation only, financial support only, or both.

Section 4 Support (After Refusal)

If your claim is refused and you are destitute, you may be able to apply for Section 4 support if you face a genuine barrier to leaving the UK. This provides:

Basic accommodation
A payment card for food and essential items (no cash)

Initial Accommodation

When you first claim asylum, you may be placed in initial accommodation (often a hotel or hostel) while your support application is processed. This is temporary, usually for a few weeks.

How to Apply for Asylum Support

Complete form ASF1. This is the application form for asylum support. You can get it from your solicitor or the GOV.UK asylum support page.
Provide evidence of destitution. Show that you do not have adequate accommodation or enough money to meet your essential living needs.
Submit the form. Your solicitor or a support organisation can help you submit the form.
Wait for a decision. You should receive a decision within a few days. If you are homeless, initial accommodation should be provided urgently.

Accommodation

Asylum accommodation is provided on a no-choice basis. Key points:

You cannot choose the area or type of accommodation
You may be moved between areas (called "dispersal")
Accommodation is usually shared with other asylum seekers
You must live at the address provided — if you move without permission, your support may be stopped
You can request to be near family members, medical facilities, or your solicitor, but this is not guaranteed

The ASPEN Card

Your weekly allowance is loaded onto an ASPEN card. This works like a pre-paid debit card. You can use it in shops and at cash machines. The money is for:

Food and drink
Clothing and shoes
Toiletries and hygiene products
Other essential items

Additional Support

You may be eligible for additional support:

Maternity payment. A one-off payment of £300 if you are pregnant or have recently had a baby.
Healthcare. Free NHS healthcare without paying the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Education. Free schooling for your children.
Free school meals. Available for children if you receive asylum support. See our free school meals guide.

When Support Ends

What happens to your support depends on the outcome of your claim:

Granted refugee status. Your asylum support ends 28 days after the grant. During this time, you must find your own accommodation and apply for mainstream benefits. This "move-on" period can be challenging.
Claim refused. Support ends 21 days after your appeal rights are exhausted. You may be eligible for Section 4 support.

Problems with Asylum Support

If you have problems with your asylum support (for example, the accommodation is unsafe, your ASPEN card is not working, or your support has been wrongly stopped):

Contact your accommodation provider's maintenance line
Contact the Migrant Help helpline
Speak to your solicitor
Contact your local MP
You can appeal asylum support decisions to the First-tier Tribunal (Asylum Support)

Next Steps

If you need asylum support, contact Migrant Help or your solicitor for assistance with the application. For official information, visit the GOV.UK asylum support page.

Related guides:

Asylum Support in the UK 2026: Accommodation and Financial Help