Section 95 Asylum Support in the UK: Eligibility, Benefits and How to Apply

Section 95 Asylum Support in the UK: Eligibility, Benefits and How to Apply

What is Section 95 Asylum Support?

Section 95 asylum support is a form of assistance provided by the Home Office to individuals who have made an asylum claim and are waiting for a decision on their case. It is established under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 and is designed to support those who are unable to meet their essential living needs.

This support is typically available while an asylum claim or appeal is still ongoing and aims to ensure that individuals are not left without accommodation or basic necessities during this period.

Who is Eligible for Section 95 Support?

To qualify for Section 95 asylum support, an individual must:

• Have an ongoing asylum claim with the Home Office
• Be destitute or at risk of becoming destitute within 14 days
• Be unable to access adequate accommodation or financial resources

Destitution is defined as not having sufficient accommodation or the means to meet essential living needs such as food and basic expenses.

Dependants, including partners and children, can also be included in the application where relevant.

What Does Section 95 Support Include?

Section 95 support generally provides:

1. Accommodation

The Home Office may provide housing, often in designated areas across the UK. Applicants usually do not have a choice of location due to the dispersal system.

2. Financial Support (Subsistence)

Financial assistance is provided to cover essential living needs such as:

• Food
• Clothing
• Toiletries
• Transport and communication

The support is usually paid on a pre-paid card and is intended to cover basic day-to-day living costs.

3. Additional Support (Where Applicable)

In certain circumstances, individuals may be eligible for additional support where they have specific or exceptional needs, for example due to health or family circumstances.

How to Apply for Section 95 Asylum Support

Applications for Section 95 support are made using the ASF1 form, as outlined in Home Office guidance.

Applicants must:

• Provide personal details and reference numbers
• Confirm their current financial and housing situation
• Demonstrate that they are, or will become, destitute

Failure to complete all required sections or provide necessary information may delay or affect the application.

When Does Section 95 Support End?

Section 95 support typically continues until:

• A final decision is made on the asylum claim
• The claim is withdrawn
• The individual is no longer considered destitute

Support may also end after a decision is made, following a short “grace period” to allow individuals to make alternative arrangements.

Why Legal Advice is Important

Applications for asylum support can be complex, particularly when demonstrating destitution or addressing delays and refusals.

At UK Immigration Help, we assist with:

• Preparing Section 95 applications
• Advising on eligibility and evidence
• Challenging refusals where appropriate