Problems with asylum support

This content applies to England only.

Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland

Here are some of the most common problems in UKBA accommodation. If you experience any of these problems, get advice immediately.

What can I do if UKBA refuses or withdraws support?

There are various reasons why UKBA may decide to stop supporting you. These include:

if you break a condition of your asylum support agreement
if UKBA finds out you have lied on your application form
if UKBA thinks you have made yourself homeless (for example, by leaving your UKBA accommodation without UKBA’s permission).

In this situation, you can appeal against UKBA to the Asylum Support Tribunal. You must make your appeal within three working days of hearing your asylum support has stopped.

What if my situation changes?

If you are receiving asylum support and there is a change in your circumstances, you must inform UKBA immediately. You must tell UKBA if:

you get married
you become divorced/separated
another person joins your household
you become pregnant or have a baby
you go into hospital
you gain access to money, or other property, that was previously abroad.

What if I am being racially harassed or suffering domestic violence?

If you are experiencing domestic violence, racial harassment, or other problems in the neighbourhood where your accommodation is located, you should report this to:

your landlord
the police
your legal advisor or to a One Stop Service.

UKBA has a duty to investigate the behaviour you have reported within ten working days, and it must rehouse you if it decides that you are at serious risk of violence.

If you are found to have committed racial harassment, your asylum support can be withdrawn.

What if I have problems accessing my support payments?

Contact UKBA’s general enquiry line on 0845 600 0914 if:

you are having difficulty accessing your payments
you have not received your support tokens.

But if your ARC (the Application Registration Card that you will receive when you apply for asylum) or emergency or interim support tokens are lost or stolen, report the theft to the police and send a fax to UKBA on 020 7147 5664, saying that your card has been lost or stolen and giving the: