Support for Asylum Seekers

The most important thing is to claim asylum as soon as possible. Do not wait. The earlier you claim, the stronger your position.

1. Claim asylum at the earliest opportunity Important

   To claim asylum in the UK, you must present yourself to the Home Office or a police station and say the words 'I want to claim asylum' or 'I am seeking protection'. You can also attend the Asylum Screening Unit. Claiming as soon as you arrive in the UK is very important — delay can be used against you in your assessment.

   How to claim asylum in the UK (opens in new tab)
2. Get free legal representation — you are entitled to it Important

   You have the right to free legal representation for your asylum claim through legal aid. Do not sign or agree to anything without speaking to a solicitor first. The Refugee Council, Migrants' Rights Network, and local law centres can help you find free immigration legal advice.

   Refugee Council — legal and practical help (opens in new tab)
3. Keep all documents and correspondence safe

   Every letter from the Home Office, every appointment slip, every piece of paper relating to your claim is important. Keep them all together in a safe place. Make copies if possible. Your solicitor will need to see them.

While your claim is being assessed, you may be entitled to accommodation and financial support from the Home Office. Here's what to expect.

1. Apply for Section 95 asylum support and accommodation

   If you are destitute (have no money and nowhere to stay), you can apply for Section 95 support from the Home Office. This provides accommodation (dispersal housing, which may not be in your preferred location) and a weekly cash allowance. Apply as soon as you claim asylum.

   Asylum support — Home Office (opens in new tab)
2. Understand your accommodation rights and report problems

   Home Office accommodation providers are required to maintain safe, habitable properties. If your accommodation has serious problems — damp, pests, broken heating, security issues — report them to your provider and to the Asylum Support Appeals Project (ASAP) if they don't respond.

   ASAP — asylum support legal project (opens in new tab)
3. Access emergency support if you fall through the gaps

   Some asylum seekers fall through gaps in the system — particularly those with 'No Recourse to Public Funds' (NRPF) or pending appeals. Local charities, food banks, and organisations like NACCOM (No Accommodation Network) specifically support destitute asylum seekers.

   NACCOM — support for destitute asylum seekers (opens in new tab)

Regardless of your immigration status, you and your children have rights to healthcare and education in the UK.

1. Register with a GP — you have the right to free NHS care

   Asylum seekers are entitled to free NHS treatment, including GP registration, hospital treatment, and prescriptions. You can register with any GP surgery. Some have dedicated asylum seeker registration pathways — ask at the surgery.

   Register with a GP (opens in new tab)
2. Access mental health support — trauma-informed services exist

   Many asylum seekers have experienced violence, torture, or traumatic events. Trauma affects mental and physical health in lasting ways. The Helen Bamber Foundation and Freedom from Torture provide specialist trauma rehabilitation services for refugees and asylum seekers.

   Freedom from Torture — specialist support (opens in new tab)
3. Enrol your children in school immediately

   Children have the right to education in the UK regardless of immigration status. Contact your local council's School Admissions team to enrol your children. Schools cannot ask about immigration status. Education provides routine, safety, and language development for children who have been through trauma.

   School admissions — Wolverhampton (opens in new tab)

The asylum process is complex and the stakes are high. Having good legal representation makes a significant difference to outcomes.

1. Find a specialist immigration solicitor through legal aid

   Legal aid pays for specialist immigration solicitors for asylum cases. The Refugee Council and Midlands Legal Support Centre can help you find a free immigration solicitor. Never use an unregistered 'immigration adviser' — only use solicitors regulated by the SRA or advisers accredited by the OISC.

   Finding a solicitor — Refugee Council (opens in new tab)
2. If your claim is refused — you have the right to appeal Important

   A refused asylum claim is not the end. You have the right to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber). You must lodge the appeal within 14 days of the refusal letter. Contact your solicitor immediately. Do not miss this deadline.

3. Submit Further Submissions if new evidence comes to light

   If your appeal has failed but new evidence has emerged — changes in your home country, medical evidence of torture, new witness statements — you may be able to submit Further Submissions (a 'fresh claim'). This must be done with legal support.

You bring skills, culture, history, and humanity to this community. West Midlands organisations work hard to make asylum seekers welcome — and to ensure your time here is one of dignity.

1. Connect with local refugee and asylum seeker support groups

   Refugee community organisations provide language support, social activities, and peer community. In Wolverhampton and the Black Country, organisations like Sandwell Advocacy and the Refugee and Migrant Centre provide practical and community support.

   Refugee and Migrant Centre (opens in new tab)
2. Access free ESOL (English language) classes

   Learning English is one of the most important things you can do for your future in the UK. Free English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes are available at colleges and community centres. Your local authority or support organisation can help you find a class.

3. Know your right to work — once you've waited 12 months

   If your asylum claim has been outstanding for 12 months or more through no fault of your own, you can apply for permission to work in the UK. If granted, this is limited to jobs on the Shortage Occupation List. Your solicitor can advise you on when and how to apply.

   Right to work for asylum seekers (opens in new tab)

Being granted refugee status or humanitarian protection is a significant moment. There's a lot to do quickly — support is available.

1. Act quickly — Home Office support ends after 28 days Important

   When your claim is granted, your Home Office accommodation and support ends 28 days later. This is known as the 'move-on period'. You need to claim benefits, find housing, and open a bank account within this time. The Refugee Council has a move-on support service — contact them immediately.

   Refugee Council move-on support (opens in new tab)
2. Apply for Universal Credit and Housing Benefit Important

   Once you have refugee status, you can claim mainstream benefits. Apply for Universal Credit on the day your status is granted — the 5-week wait begins immediately. Citizens Advice can help you with the application.

   Claim Universal Credit (opens in new tab)
3. Apply for a UK travel document (Convention Travel Document)

   As a recognised refugee, you can apply for a Convention Travel Document — a document that allows you to travel internationally. This is important for family reunion and future travel. Apply through the Home Office.

   Apply for a refugee travel document (opens in new tab)