You get £49.18 each week to help you with food, toiletries, clothes and travel.

You can get this money in asylum housing, or if you stay with friends or family.

You will not have to pay rent or other bills while you live in asylum housing.

Extra payments for pregnant people and young children

If you get food where you live

You will not get any money if food is provided in initial accommodation when you first apply for asylum support.

If you qualify for full asylum support but are still living in a hotel while you wait to move somewhere more suitable, you get a weekly cash allowance of £8.86 for travel and clothes.

How you get the money

The money is loaded onto an ASPEN card. You can use this to make purchases and withdraw cash at a cashpoint (ATM).

If you get section 4 support, you will still get the card but you cannot withdraw cash.

Contact Migrant Help on 0808 8010 503 if:

• you forget your pin

• you do not get your payment

• your card is lost, stolen or does not work

What if your asylum support stops?

You can appeal to the asylum support tribunal.

You must do this within 3 days if you can.

Find out how to appeal in the Asylum Support Appeals Project (ASAP) guide.

Get advice from a refugee charity.

Practical help while you're seeking asylum

Other help is available while you wait for a Home Office decision on your asylum claim.

Refugee charities and community groups can offer support with:

• food and toiletries

• small amounts of cash

• winter clothes and blankets

• children's clothes, toys or nappies

• travel vouchers for appointments

• mobile top ups or SIM cards

You can also get help to settle into life in the UK. For example, registering with a doctor, school or college, learning English, finding out about local groups and services.