Section 95 Support for Asylum Seekers in the UK

Last updated: 5 October 2026

Photo: Tower bridge at sunset - London, England - Travel photography - Giuseppe Milo

Section 95 support UK is the financial and housing support scheme available to destitute asylum seekers in the United Kingdom. Established under Section 95 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, the scheme provides accommodation and a weekly cash allowance to applicants who would otherwise have no means to support themselves. This asylum guide sets out who qualifies, what the support covers, how to apply, and the practical realities of the system in 2026.[1]

The evidence base draws on the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, UK Home Office policy and guidance, the Refugee Council UK, the British Red Cross, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Migration, and the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration reports.

The Legal Framework

The Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 created a separate support system for asylum seekers. Section 95 provides support for asylum seekers and their dependants who are "destitute" — meaning they do not have adequate accommodation or cannot meet essential living needs. Section 4 provides support for refused asylum seekers in specific circumstances. Section 98 provides initial support in the period between application and Section 95 decision.[2]

Eligibility for Section 95 Support

To qualify for Section 95 support, applicants must meet all of the following conditions.[3]

• Have an active asylum claim — Section 95 ends when the claim is finally determined.
• Be destitute — without adequate accommodation or cannot meet essential needs.
• Have no other source of support — no income, savings, or accommodation.
• Not have made a fresh claim — separate provisions apply post-refusal.
• Not have absconded — failure to comply with conditions can lead to support termination.

What the Support Covers

Section 95 support has two main components — accommodation and cash allowance.[4]

Accommodation

The Home Office provides accommodation through contracts with private providers (Serco, Mears, Clearsprings). Accommodation is typically in dispersal areas — outside London and the South East, in cities including Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Liverpool, Cardiff, and others. Applicants cannot choose location. They must accept the accommodation offered or lose support.

Cash Allowance

The weekly cash allowance for Section 95 recipients is currently £49.18 (2024-25 rate, set by the Asylum Support Regulations 2000 SI 2000/704 as amended). Pregnant women and children receive small additional amounts. The allowance is loaded onto a pre-paid "ASPEN" card that can be used at most shops but not for online purchases or for cash withdrawal in some contexts.[5]

The £49.18 rate has been subject to repeated legal challenge as inadequate. The Refugee Council, Asylum Support Appeals Project, and others have argued it falls below subsistence levels for meeting essential needs.

How to Apply

The application process for Section 95 support involves several steps.[6]

1. Make an asylum claim first — Section 95 is only available to active asylum seekers.
2. Complete Form ASF1 — "Application for asylum support."
3. Provide evidence of destitution — bank statements, accommodation status.
4. Submit through Migrant Help — the contracted advice service.
5. Initial accommodation under Section 98 while Section 95 application processed.
6. Decision by Home Office — usually within a few weeks.
7. Appeal to First-tier Tribunal (AST) if refused — 3 working days to appeal.

HC2 Certificate and Related Benefits

Recipients of Section 95 support also receive an HC2 certificate covering NHS prescription charges, dental treatment, optical care, and travel for NHS appointments. Children of Section 95 recipients receive free school meals. Pregnant women and children under 3 receive Healthy Start vouchers for fruit, vegetables, and milk. See our companion article on healthcare access for asylum seekers.[7]

When Support Ends

Section 95 support ends in several circumstances.[8]

• Grant of refugee status or humanitarian protection — support ends 28 days after positive decision (the "move-on" period).
• Final refusal — support ends 21 days after appeal rights exhausted.
• Failure to comply with conditions — including refusing accommodation.
• Voluntary departure from UK.
• Voluntary withdrawal from support scheme.

Section 4 Support

For refused asylum seekers, Section 4 support is available in limited circumstances under the Immigration and Asylum (Provision of Accommodation to Failed Asylum-Seekers) Regulations 2005. Eligibility includes inability to leave the UK for medical reasons, prevention from leaving by a physical impediment, judicial review proceedings underway, or a fresh claim being prepared. Section 4 rate is currently £49.18 per week (matching Section 95).[9]

Section 95 support reflects the UK's obligations under international refugee law to ensure asylum seekers are not left destitute while their claims are decided. The system's adequacy has been repeatedly questioned by NGOs, parliamentary committees, and the Independent Chief Inspector. The 28-day move-on period after grant is a recurring source of post-decision destitution.
All-Party Parliamentary Group on Refugees, 'Move-On Report' (2024)

Appeals to the Asylum Support Tribunal

If the Home Office refuses, terminates, or reduces support, applicants can appeal to the Asylum Support Tribunal (a chamber of the First-tier Tribunal). Appeals must be lodged within 3 working days. The Tribunal can confirm, vary, or substitute the Home Office decision. Asylum Support Appeals Project (ASAP) provides free representation.[10]

Conclusion

Section 95 support is the central financial and housing support scheme for UK asylum seekers. The system covers accommodation in dispersal areas plus £49.18 weekly cash allowance. Eligibility requires destitution and an active asylum claim. The system has been repeatedly criticised for inadequate rates and substandard accommodation, but it remains the primary safety net for destitute asylum seekers in the UK.

For asylum seekers, applying for Section 95 support promptly through Migrant Help is essential. For practitioners, helping clients navigate the application, appeal refusals, and address the post-grant move-on gap are recurring tasks. See our wider asylum-life resources, including free legal help for asylum seekers, work during asylum, and healthcare access.