Benefits for Specific Situations — Students, Carers, Veterans and MoreBenefits for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in the UK
Financial support and benefits available to refugees and asylum seekers in the UK in 2026. Covers asylum support, refugee integration, what you can claim after getting leave to remain, and where to get help.
Financial support depends on your immigration status. Here’s what’s available for asylum seekers and recognised refugees.
Support by Immigration Status
| Status | Can Claim Mainstream Benefits? | What’s Available |
|---|
| Asylum seeker (waiting for decision) | No | Asylum support (Home Office) |
| Refugee (leave to remain) | Yes | All mainstream benefits |
| Humanitarian protection | Yes | All mainstream benefits |
| Discretionary leave | Yes | All mainstream benefits |
| No recourse to public funds (NRPF) | No (unless condition is lifted) | Limited emergency support |
| EU settled status | Yes | All mainstream benefits |
| EU pre-settled status | Limited | Depends on residence and employment |
Asylum Support
Section 95 Support (During Asylum Claim)
| Feature | Detail |
|---|
| Accommodation | Provided by Home Office (no choice of location) |
| Financial support | £49.18/week per person |
| Extra for pregnant women | Additional £3 after 36 weeks, £300 one-off maternity payment |
| Extra for babies under 1 | Additional £5/week |
| Council Tax | Not payable in asylum accommodation |
| NHS | Free (full access) |
| Education for children | Free (local school placement) |
Section 4 Support (Failed Asylum Seekers)
If your asylum claim is refused but you cannot return to your home country:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|
| Accommodation | May be provided |
| Financial support | £49.18/week on a payment card (Azure card) |
| Restrictions | Cannot work, cannot claim benefits |
What Asylum Seekers CAN Access
| Service | Available? |
|---|
| NHS treatment | Yes — fully free |
| School for children | Yes — free |
| Free school meals | Yes |
| Legal aid for asylum case | Yes |
| Work (after 12 months waiting) | Limited — shortage occupation list only |
| Voluntary work | Yes |
| Free English classes | Some areas |
After Receiving Refugee Status
The 28-Day Move-On Period
When you receive leave to remain, you have 28 days before asylum support ends. Use this time to:
| Task | Action |
|---|
| Week 1 | Obtain your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), open a bank account, get your NI number |
| Week 1-2 | Claim UC at your nearest Jobcentre, apply for Housing Benefit/Council Tax Reduction |
| Week 2-3 | Contact your local council for housing help, register with a GP |
| Week 3-4 | Begin looking for work, access integration services |
Benefits You Can Now Claim
| Benefit | How to Claim |
|---|
| Universal Credit | Online at gov.uk or Jobcentre |
| Housing Benefit / UC housing element | Through UC or local council |
| Council Tax Reduction | Local council |
| Child Benefit | HMRC (form CH2) |
| Free school meals | Local council |
| Healthy Start vouchers | If pregnant or with children under 4 |
| PIP | If you have a disability |
| Carer’s Allowance | If caring for someone |
UC Advance Payment
You can request a UC advance payment at your first Jobcentre appointment — this provides an emergency payment within days while your first regular UC payment is processed (usually 5 weeks).
Integration Support
| Organisation | What They Provide |
|---|
| Refugee Council | Advice, advocacy, integration support |
| Citizens Advice | Benefits advice, housing help |
| Migrant Help | Asylum support advice |
| British Red Cross | Destitution support, family reunion |
| Local refugee organisations | Language support, community integration |
| ESOL providers | Free English language classes |
Post-Grant Appointment Service (PGAS)
The Home Office PGAS service helps newly recognised refugees:
- Understand their rights and entitlements
- Apply for benefits
- Find accommodation
- Access integration services
No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)
If you have a visa condition of NRPF:
| Option | Detail |
|---|
| Apply to lift NRPF condition | If you’re destitute or at risk of destitution |
| Local authority support | Under Section 17 (Children Act) if you have children |
| Domestic abuse exception | Destitution Domestic Violence Concession lifts NRPF |
| Homelessness | Council has limited duties even with NRPF |
| NHS | Full access remains available |