If you are seeking asylum in the UK Government and cannot support yourself, the Home Office can provide accommodation and a basic weekly allowance while your claim or appeal is being decided. This support also ensures access to healthcare and education for your children.
Weekly Allowance
Most people approved for Section 95 asylum support receive £49.18 per person each week for essential needs such as food, clothes, and toiletries. This money is loaded onto a debit card called ASPEN. If you live in full-board accommodation where meals are provided, the allowance is reduced to £9.95 per person each week.
Extra Support for Mothers and Young Children
Additional weekly top-ups are provided: £5.25 if you’re pregnant, £9.50 for babies under 1, and £5.25 for children aged 1–3. There is also a one-off £300 maternity payment if your baby is due within 11 weeks or is under 6 months old when you apply.
Types of Asylum Support
- Section 95 Support is for people waiting for a decision or appeal outcome. It usually includes dispersal accommodation and the weekly allowance.
- Section 98 Support is short-term emergency housing for people who appear destitute while their application is processed. It may include meals instead of cash.
- Section 4 Support is limited help for people whose asylum claims have been refused but who cannot leave the UK. It includes a weekly ASPEN card allowance and accommodation.
Healthcare and Schooling
Asylum seekers are entitled to NHS healthcare while their application is ongoing. They can also get an HC2 certificate for free prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests, and hospital travel. Children of asylum seekers are entitled to free state school education.
Work Rights While Waiting
Asylum seekers are generally not allowed to work while their case is pending. If you have waited over 12 months for a decision and the delay is not your fault, you may apply for permission to work—but only for roles on the official Shortage Occupation List.
How to Apply for Support
Applications are made using the ASF1 form, which you can download from the Home Office. Migrant Help offers free assistance with the process. You should apply if you are already destitute or expect to become destitute within 14 days.
ASPEN Card Restrictions
Since August 2025, the Home Office has introduced stricter rules on ASPEN card usage by blocking certain non-essential purchases. Transactions in restricted categories are automatically declined, though essentials like food and clothes remain permitted.
Key Figures at a Glance
- Standard support: £49.18 per person per week (self-catering).
- Reduced rate: £9.95 per person per week (full-board accommodation).
- Extra: £5.25 weekly for pregnancy, £9.50 for babies under 1, £5.25 for children aged 1–3.
- One-off £300 maternity grant for pregnant mothers or babies under 6 months.
Conclusion: The UK government provides asylum seekers with essential financial support, accommodation, and healthcare access while their claims are under review. Although the allowance is modest, it is designed to cover basic living costs. Extra help is available for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and young children. Together with free NHS access and school education for children, these measures ensure a safety net during the asylum process.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available UK Home Office guidance as of 2025. Policies, payment rates, and eligibility rules may change. Readers should always check the latest details on the official before making decisions.
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