You may be a carer who is not a UK citizen but unable to return to your homeland. You can apply to remain in the UK as a refugee because of a 'well-founded fear of persecution' due to your race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership of a particular social group.
If you're applying to remain in the UK as a refugee then you're 'seeking asylum'. You may be eligible for services and support as a carer who is an asylum applicant while you're waiting for a decision on your application.
What is asylum support?
Asylum support is government help for people who are awaiting a decision on whether they can live permanently in the UK as a refugee. Generally, asylum support is given to asylum applicants who are homeless or without money to buy food and need help while their asylum application is being considered. Asylum support can help you with:
How to apply for asylum support
If you're seeking asylum you will not normally be allowed to work in the UK. If you're an asylum seeker who is destitute and homeless, you should speak to your case owner (the person handling your asylum application) if you want to apply for asylum support.
If you don't have a case owner you can contact the asylum support customer contact centre on 0845 6021739 between 9am and 9pm Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays.
You can download and complete the asylum support application form yourself, but read the guidance notes before you complete the form (see External links).
If you need help completing the application form or reading the guidance notes, you can ask staff at your nearest One Stop Services office to help you (see External links for your closest office). One Stop Services are charities that provide help on a range of issues to asylum seekers and refugees.
To apply for asylum support you will need to send the following documents and information to the UK Border Agency:
- the completed asylum support application form,
- four passport-sized photographs, and
- any other documents requested in the application.
You will also need to sign an asylum support agreement, which lists terms and conditions you must follow to get the support.
Section 4 support
If you are destitute or homeless and your asylum application has been rejected, you may still get short-term support, known as section 4 support, while you are waiting to return to your homeland (see External links).
If you qualify for section 4 support, the UK Border Agency will arrange somewhere for you to live and provide vouchers for you to buy food and other essential items. You will not receive any cash support.
