Support for failed asylum seekers

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 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.

Support if your claim fails

If you get a letter from the UK Border Agency telling you that your claim for asylum has failed then you should get advice straight away. Your asylum support might be stopped and you will have to explore the other options available to you. Read more 

Withdrawal of support

If the UK Border Agency rejects your claim for asylum and you can't or don't want to make an appeal against that decision then it will stop providing you with support. If you find yourself in this situation, try not to panic. You might be able to extend your current support until other arrangements can be made. This page looks at your options. Read more 

Section four support

If your claim for asylum has failed and you can't make any further appeals then you should apply to the UK Border Agency for section four support until it is possible for you to leave the country. This page explains what section four support is and how you can apply for it. Read more 

Failed asylum seeking family

If you have children under the age of 18 and your claim for asylum is rejected, the UK Border Agency will continue to support you and provide you with accommodation. Read more 

Continued support from the council

If you are an asylum seeker and you have care needs, your local council must provide you with accommodation and support. You will probably be classed as having a care need if you find it difficult to carry out everyday tasks. If your asylum claim fails, this support should continue until you leave the country. Read more 

Turkey, Cyprus and Croatia

If your claim for asylum has failed and you are from Turkey, Cyprus or Croatia then you may be able to claim benefits while you are waiting to be removed from the UK. Read more