Can asylum seekers claim benefits in the UK?

Asylum seekers cannot claim mainstream benefits (Universal Credit, Housing Benefit). Instead, they receive asylum support from the Home Office: Section 95 support provides accommodation and £49.18/week per person for essential living needs (2026 rate). Once you receive refugee status (leave to remain), you can claim mainstream benefits like any UK resident.

What benefits can refugees claim?

Once you receive refugee status (leave to remain), you can claim all mainstream benefits: Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Child Benefit, PIP, Carer's Allowance, and others. You have 28 days from your 'move on' date to find accommodation and claim benefits. Contact your local council and Jobcentre immediately after receiving your status.

What is the 28-day move-on period?

When an asylum seeker receives refugee status, their asylum support (accommodation and financial support) ends after 28 days. During this period, they must: apply for mainstream benefits (UC, Housing Benefit), find somewhere to live, register with a GP, and open a bank account. This is a critical and often very challenging transition period.

Can refugees get help with housing?

Yes. Refugees can claim the housing element of Universal Credit (or Housing Benefit) to help with rent. They may also apply to their local council as homeless — councils have a duty to assist. Some areas have specific refugee integration support services that help with housing, employment, and settling in.

Benefits & Support

Benefits 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.

By PocketWise · 8 April 2026 · 3 min read

Benefits information is based on current DWP and HMRC rules. Entitlements depend on your personal circumstances. For free personalised help, contact Citizens Advice or call the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644.

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

Sources

GOV.UK — Asylum support