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England

Asylum support and housing

Who can get help

You can get housing and some money each week if you have:

  • made an asylum claim in the UK

  • nowhere to live or no money

You are not usually allowed to work while you are seeking asylum.

Single adults and families with children

You can ask for asylum support either:

  • when you make your asylum claim

  • later if you are still waiting for an asylum decision

Find out how to apply for asylum support.

If you are under 18

In the UK you are legally a child if you're under 18.

You have different rights to adults who are seeking asylum.

If you are in the UK on your own, children's services must give you a safe place to stay.

Children's services are part of social services at your local council.

Refugee Council's children support service

If you are a child in the UK on your own who needs help, you can:

Find out how the Refugee Council helps children seeking asylum.

If you need immigration help

Shelter cannot give immigration advice.

Citizens Advice can help you get specialist immigration advice.

You can search for a regulated immigration adviser on GOV.UK

Last updated: 3 July 2024

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