Eligibility for benefits if you're an asylum seeker

This content applies to Scotland only.

Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. This page applies to Scotland only. Get advice relating to England

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 so is being supported by the UK Border Agency.

Pre-April 2000 asylum seekers

UK law on how people seeking asylum should be supported and housed has changed over the years. As a result, the date on which you arrived in the country can affect the kind of support you will receive. This page has advice and information for asylum seekers who arrived in the UK before 3 April 2000. Read more 

My family is supported by the UK Border Agency

If you and your family arrived in the UK at different times then there is a chance you will be supported in different ways. For instance, your husband or wife might have arrived in the UK after April 2000 and receive support from the UK Border Agency (formerly the National Asylum Support Service) while you are claiming benefits. Read more 

Sierra Leone and Congo

In some circumstances people from the Congo and Sierra Leone will be given the same support as people who made their claim for asylum 'on arrival' in the UK between 5 February 1996 and 3 April 2000. Read more