Asylum seekers and refugees

This content applies to England only.

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

If you are an asylum seeker, a refugee or are appealing against an unsuccessful asylum claim, you may be entitled to housing and support. However, asylum seekers are not allowed to claim benefits in the same way as UK citizens.

For more detailed information, you will need to speak to a specialist adviser. You can find one, and/or an interpreter, by calling Shelter's housing advice helpline on 0808 800 4444, or by visiting the Immigration Advisory Service website.

If you haven't yet applied for asylum in the UK, contact the UK Border Agency (UKBA) as soon as possible. You can also find more information on the housing rights information website for new arrivals.

Where to go for help

You may be entitled to housing and other support from the Government. What you are entitled to will depend on your circumstances. Read more 

Asylum support

Find out who can get asylum support from UKBA, how they should help you and what you can do if you have problems. Read more 

When a decision is made

Find out what help and support you will be entitled to once the Home Office has made a decision on your asylum claim. Read more 

Immigration jargon

Confused by the language used in immigration and asylum documents? This page explains what the most common terms mean. Read more