If you are seeking asylum in the United Kingdom then you will not be allowed to earn money by working. Instead you should be given support and accommodation by the UK government. The kind of support that is available to you will depend upon when you made your claim for asylum and the details of your case.

The UK Border Agency provides support and accommodation to asylum seekers in the UK who claimed asylum on or after 3 April 2000 and either have nowhere suitable to stay or no money to cover the cost of living. This section provides information on how to access support.

If you claimed asylum in the UK before 3 April 2000, you may be entitled to claim Housing Benefit and accommodation from your local council, depending on when you arrived. This section explains who can claim benefits, how to apply for accommodation, and what you can do if the rest of your family arrives in the UK after 3 April 2000.

If you or a member of your family needs help with day-to-day tasks, you may be able to get care and support from the council. If the council has a duty to help you, it will design a care package to meet your specific needs. The council also has a duty to support asylum seekers who are under 18 and have come to the UK without their parents.

If your claim for asylum fails, you will probably be able to get help and support from the UK Border Agency until it is possible for you to leave the country. The kind of support you receive will depend on your country of origin, whether or not you have children and when you arrived in the UK.

If your claim for asylum has been successful and you have been told you can remain in the UK then the support you received as an asylum seeker could be stopped. Don't panic though as there are many other ways for you to access money and accommodation. This section looks at your options.

This page lists organisations that provide advice and support to asylum seekers and refugees.