Information » Housing » Homelessness » Asylum Seekers
- An asylum seeker is someone who comes to the UK, often fleeing from persecution, torture or war in their own country. They remain an asylum seeker while their application to live in this country is being considered by the Home Office
- Asylum seekers are particularly vulnerable to becoming homeless as they can experience difficulties getting accommodation because of the way the law works. Their rights to public housing, welfare benefits and employment are restricted
- They have no right to receive benefits any longer, but the Home Office has set up a new department called the National Asylum Support Service (NASS), which is responsible for the finances and housing of asylum seekers. This provides support for asylum seekers outside the UK welfare services using a system of vouchers and a small amount of cash each week
- To apply for support from NASS, you must complete a NASS1 form. These are available at Induction Centres or One Stop Service. Contact the Welsh Refugee Council to find your nearest centre or with any questions
- To qualify for support from NASS, you must fit the following criteria:
- You have made an asylum application as soon as is reasonably practicable (for example you made your application for asylum at the port of entry)
- You are destitute, meaning you have no means of supporting yourself
- You are not under the age of 18 (you are not a young unaccompanied minor)
- If you have nowhere to stay and no means of paying to stay somewhere, you will usually be given emergency housing while your application is being processed. Food and basic necessities will also be provided
- NASS applications can take between seven and ten days to process. You should also think about what you will do if your NASS application is unsuccessful and start looking into other accommodation options as soon as you can. This is the best way to avoid homelessness
- If you are seeking asylum in Wales, you must still apply to the Home Office, which is responsible for asylum issues in England and Wales
