What Welfare Benefits Can You Claim as an Asylum Seeker or Refugee?
- BRASS Bedford team
- Mar 20
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
If you are seeking asylum in the UK, you are generally not allowed to work. However, you may be eligible for financial support and housing assistance through Asylum Support, which is provided by the UK Home Office.
Asylum Support (Section 95) – If you are waiting for a decision on your asylum claim, you may be entitled to:
£47.39 per person per week (as of 2024), provided via an ASPEN debit card.
Free accommodation if you are homeless, though you cannot choose where you live.
Emergency Support (Section 98) – If you need urgent help while waiting for a decision on your asylum claim, you can apply for temporary financial and housing support.
Support for Refused Asylum Seekers (Section 4) – If your asylum claim is rejected but you cannot leave the UK, you may be eligible for:
£47.39 per week in support.
Accommodation, but no cash payments (funds are loaded onto an ASPEN card for essential purchases).
What Benefits Can Refugees Claim?
Once you have been granted refugee status, humanitarian protection, or leave to remain, you can apply for mainstream UK benefits, including:
✅ Universal Credit – A monthly payment for living costs if you are unemployed or on a low income.
✅ Housing Benefit – Support with rent if you are in social housing or need help paying for private accommodation.
✅ Child Benefit – Financial support if you have children under 16 (or 20 if they stay in education).
✅ Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – If you have a disability or long-term health condition.
✅ Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) – If you are looking for work and meet eligibility criteria.
✅ Council Tax Reduction – Help with council tax bills.
✅ Free NHS Healthcare & Prescriptions – Refugees are entitled to NHS care, including free prescriptions, eye tests, and dental care if on low income support.
How to Apply for Benefits
Get Your Key Documents – You will need proof of identity, immigration status, and address.
Apply Online or In Person – Universal Credit and other benefits are applied for through the Gov.uk website or at your local Jobcentre Plus.
Attend an Interview – You may need to visit the Jobcentre for an initial appointment and work assessment.
Open a Bank Account – Benefits are typically paid into a UK bank account, so it is essential to set one up.
Provide Additional Evidence – If asked, submit any extra documents to support your claim.
Wait for Approval – Processing times vary, but you may be eligible for advance payments if needed.
Applying for benefits can be complicated, and delays can occur if applications are not completed correctly. This is where BRASS can help.
How BRASS Bedford Can Support You
At BRASS Bedford, we offer free and confidential assistance to help you access the benefits you are entitled to. Our services include:
✔️ Guidance on Eligibility – We help determine which benefits you can claim.
✔️ Application Support – Assistance in filling out forms and submitting documents.
✔️ Appeals & Challenges – If your application is refused, we can guide you on how to challenge the decision.
✔️ Understanding Your Rights – Ensuring you receive the correct amount of financial support.
✔️ Housing & Financial Advice – Helping you navigate accommodation and budgeting.
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