Section 95 Support for Asylum Seekers in the UK

Last updated: 5 October 2026

Photo: london - Clyde Darra

If you are seeking asylum in the UK and cannot support yourself, you may qualify for Section 95 support. This is a system of housing and money provided by the Home Office to asylum seekers who have no other way to meet their basic needs. The support is not generous, but it gives you somewhere to live and enough money for food and basic items while you wait for a decision on your asylum claim.[1]

Many asylum seekers are not allowed to work in the UK. This means they depend on Section 95 support to survive. Understanding what you can get, how to apply, and what happens after a decision is essential. This guide explains everything you need to know about asylum support in the UK. For a broader view of the asylum process, see our asylum guide.

What Is Section 95 Support?

Section 95 support comes from Section 95 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. This law says the Home Office must provide support to asylum seekers who are "destitute." Destitute means you do not have enough money or resources to meet your basic living needs. You cannot afford housing, food, or other essential items.[2]

The support has two parts. First, the Home Office can give you somewhere to live. This is called dispersal accommodation. Second, you receive a small weekly payment to cover food, clothing, and other basic needs. You can receive both parts together, or just one part. For example, if you are staying with a friend, you might only receive the money and not the housing.

Who Qualifies for Section 95 Support?

To qualify for Section 95 support, you must meet two main conditions. First, you must have a pending asylum claim. This means you have applied for asylum and the Home Office has not yet made a final decision. Second, you must be destitute or likely to become destitute within 14 days. The Home Office will check your financial situation to decide if you qualify.[3]

You are considered destitute if you do not have enough money to pay for housing or to meet your essential living needs. The Home Office will ask about any money you have, any property you own, and any support you receive from friends or family. If you have savings or other income, you may not qualify. Furthermore, if a friend or family member is providing you with free accommodation and food, the Home Office may decide you are not destitute.

A person is destitute if they do not have adequate accommodation or cannot meet their essential living needs.
Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, Section 95(3)

What You Get: Housing

If you qualify for housing under Section 95, the Home Office will place you in dispersal accommodation. This is housing managed by private companies on behalf of the Home Office. The key thing to understand is that you cannot choose where you live. The Home Office decides your location. You could be sent to any part of the UK, including cities far from London.[4]

Dispersal accommodation is usually shared housing. You may share a house or flat with other asylum seekers. You will have your own bedroom, but you will share the kitchen, bathroom, and living areas. The accommodation is provided with basic furniture, including a bed, table, and chairs. Bedding and kitchen equipment are usually included.

Many asylum seekers report problems with their housing. Common issues include poor condition, damp, pest problems, overcrowding, and feeling unsafe. If you have a problem with your accommodation, you should report it to your housing provider first. If they do not fix it, contact Migrant Help for assistance. You can also complain to the Home Office.

What You Get: Weekly Allowance

As of 2025-2026, the weekly allowance for Section 95 support is £49.18 per person. This amount is the same for adults and children. The money is loaded onto an ASPEN card. This is a payment card that works like a debit card. You can use it in most shops to buy food, toiletries, and other items. You can also withdraw cash from some ATMs.[5]

The allowance must cover everything except housing. This includes food, clothing, toiletries, and travel costs for asylum appointments. Many people find the amount very difficult to live on. Moreover, the allowance has not increased much over the years, even though prices have gone up. Charities and campaign groups have called for an increase, saying the current amount is too low to live on with dignity.

How to Apply for Section 95 Support

To apply for Section 95 support, you need to fill in the ASF1 form. This is the application form for asylum support. You can get help filling in this form from Migrant Help, which is the organisation the Home Office pays to help asylum seekers with support issues. You can contact Migrant Help by phone on 0808 8010 503. The helpline is free and available in many languages.[6]

On the form, you will need to explain why you are destitute. You should provide details about your financial situation, including any money, savings, or support you have. Be honest and provide as much detail as possible. After you submit the form, the Home Office will assess your application. If they approve it, they will arrange accommodation and start your weekly payments.

What Happens When You Get a Decision

If You Are Granted Refugee Status

If the Home Office grants you refugee status, your Section 95 support will end. You have 28 days to leave your asylum accommodation. During these 28 days, you need to find new housing and apply for mainstream benefits like Universal Credit. This is a very short time, and many newly recognised refugees struggle with this transition. The Refugee Council and other charities can help you during this period.[7]

Once you have refugee status, you can work, claim benefits, and access all public services. You will receive a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) that proves your status. You should apply for Universal Credit and housing as soon as you receive your decision letter. Do not wait, because the 28-day clock starts immediately.

If Your Claim Is Refused

If your asylum claim is refused and you have no more appeal rights, your Section 95 support will stop. The Home Office expects you to leave the UK. However, if you cannot leave for reasons beyond your control, you may qualify for Section 4 support. This is a different type of support for refused asylum seekers.

Section 4 Support for Refused Asylum Seekers

Section 4 support is available to refused asylum seekers who cannot leave the UK. You may qualify if you are taking steps to leave but cannot do so yet, if you have a medical condition that prevents travel, or if there is no safe route back to your country. Section 4 provides accommodation and a weekly allowance of £49.18, the same amount as Section 95.[8]

The money is loaded onto an ASPEN card. However, under Section 4, you cannot withdraw cash. You can only use the card to buy items in shops. To apply for Section 4 support, you need to fill in the ASF1 form and explain why you cannot leave the UK. It is important to get legal advice before applying, as the rules are strict.

Common Problems and How to Complain

Many asylum seekers experience problems with Section 95 support. These include long delays in processing applications, poor housing conditions, being placed far from friends or community, and problems with the ASPEN card. If you face any of these issues, there are steps you can take.[9]

• Delays in getting support: Contact Migrant Help and ask them to chase your application. If you are homeless while waiting, ask for emergency accommodation.
• Poor housing conditions: Report problems to your housing provider in writing. Take photos as evidence. If they do not fix the problem, contact Migrant Help or your local councillor.
• Wrong location: If you have been placed far from your legal representative or support network, you can ask for a transfer. However, transfers are difficult to get. You need a strong reason, such as a medical condition that requires specialist treatment in another area.
• ASPEN card problems: If your card is not working or your payment has not arrived, contact Migrant Help immediately.

If you are unhappy with the Home Office's decision on your support application, you can appeal to the Asylum Support Tribunal. This is a free process. The tribunal is independent from the Home Office. You must appeal within three days of receiving the decision. Organisations like Asylum Support Appeals Project (ASAP) can help you with your appeal. For human rights information related to asylum conditions, see our resources.

Conclusion

Section 95 support in the UK provides essential help to asylum seekers who cannot support themselves. It includes dispersal accommodation and a weekly allowance of £49.18 per person. To qualify, you must have a pending asylum claim and be destitute. Apply as soon as possible through the ASF1 form with help from Migrant Help. Be aware that you cannot choose where you live, and the amount of money is very limited. If your claim is refused, you may qualify for Section 4 support. If you are granted refugee status, act quickly during the 28-day move-on period. Despite its limitations, Section 95 support is a lifeline for many asylum seekers. If you have problems, report them and use the complaints process. For more guidance on navigating the UK asylum system, explore our country reports and detailed asylum guides.