What support is available for asylum seekers?

This content applies to Scotland only.

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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.

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.

I claimed asylum on or after 3 April 2000 - what support can I get?

If you made your claim for asylum in the United Kingdom on or after 3 April 2000 then you may be able to claim support and accommodation from the UK Border Agency. The UK Border Agency is the department of the UK government that oversees the asylum application process and provides money and accommodation to those asylum seekers who can't afford to support themselves and their families.

In certain circumstances support from the UK Border Agency is also available to those who made their claim before 3 April 2000.

Until 2007, support and accommodation were provided by the National Asylum Support Service (NASS). The UK Border Agency has now taken over these responsibilities, however, you may still hear people talk about NASS in relation to support and accommodation. 

I claimed asylum before 3 April 2000 - what support can I get?

If you arrived in the UK before April 2000 then you may be able to claim housing benefit and accommodation from your local council.

This will not always be the case and you should read the page on pre-April 2000 asylum seekers for more information on your rights. In some cases you will be eligible for support from the UK Border Agency even though you arrived in the UK before 3 April 2000.

What if I am disabled or have a care need?

If you or a member of your family are unwell, disabled, mentally ill or elderly then your council might provide you with accommodation and any support you require to meet your care needs. This will be the case whether your claim for asylum was made before or after April 2000. For more information see the section on support from the council.

What if I am under 18 and without my parents?

If you're under the age of 18 and you arrived in the United Kingdom without a parent or guardian then the council will have a duty to provide you with support and accommodation. For more information see the section on unaccompanied asylum seeking children.

What if my claim for asylum has been refused?

If you have made a claim for asylum in the UK but you've been told that your claim has failed and you can't, or don't want to, make an appeal against that decision then you may be able to receive something known as section four support. Section four support includes accommodation and food and is often given to failed asylum seekers who are unable to travel back to their home country.

Need more help?

Claiming asylum in the UK can be a complicated and confusing business. If you're still not sure what your rights are, or if you need more support, you should get in touch with a specialised adviser who can help you. You should contact the Scottish Refugee Council on 08000 856 087. This organisation deals specifically with asylum seekers and refugees and will be able to give you in-depth advice on accessing support.

The page of useful links for asylum seekers lists other agencies who may be able to help you.