When will my asylum support stop? Expand You have 28 (Section 95/Section 4 support) or 21 (Section 98 support) days from the date that the decision was made on your asylum application to move from Home Office support. Asylum support/AASC providers will provide a minimum of 7 days’ notice that asylum payments and asylum accommodation will end. It is important that you start making plans before you receive your discontinuation letter. This will enable you to be ready to move on.
When will I receive my BRP card? Expand You should normally receive you BRP card within 10 days of receiving you Home Office decision. If you have a legal representative your BRP card maybe sent to then. You will need to check with your legal representative/solicitor in case this is sent to them. If your BRP is posted directly you may receive a text and/or email confirming delivery. However, if they do not have your details you may receive a ‘missed delivery/ TNT calling card’. You will need to follow the instructions on the card to arrange for the card to be delivered. You can contact TNT, where you will need your postcode and you 9 digit consignment number. If you have not received your BRP card within 10 working days of being granted your leave to remain, and you are unable to track your order with TNT, please contact the Home Office. This can be done directly or through your legal representative. The Home Office should respond within 5 working days.
I have received my BRP card but the details are incorrect Expand If the information on the BRP is incorrect then you must report the issues to the Home Office. This may relate to: Name Place of birth Date of birth Gender Nationality Photograph Please note: your name and date of birth should match those on any immigration paperwork. If you have not yet notified the Home Office of BRP errors you must report these. If you are still in receipt of support, once you have reported any errors, you must contact our helpline where we will complete a reinstatement request. You will need to provide information on how and when you notified the Home Office so that we can include this in the application.
How can I apply for Universal Credit? Expand You can apply for Universal Credit if under state pension age, not in full time employment and need help with living costs. Citizens Advice | Help to Claim serviceThis can help with the early stages, including making an application, interview guidance and advice on problems with payments. England - 0800 144 8444 Wales - 0800 241 220 Scotland - 0800 023 2581 Not available in Northern Ireland Universal Credit Service Centre Helpline (you can ask for an interpreter) England - 0800 328 1344 Wales - 0800 328 5644 Scotland - 0800 023 2581 Northern Ireland - 0800 012 1331 Universal Credit online (for people who can apply independently) Universal Credit takes 5 weeks to be paid. Please ask about the advance payment at your first interview if you don’t think you can wait that long. If you have already had your first interview you can phone the helpline to ask for an advance payment.
Do I need a bank account? Expand You will need a bank account to receive Universal Credit. A Biometric Residency Permit (BRP) and proof of address will be required to open an account. Please see the following online banks: Monzo Monese Starling Bank Revolut Chase Bank UK Alternatively you can apply for a bank account on the high street, at places such as Lloyds Bank and Nationwide Building Society.
How do I secure housing? Expand If you require support with housing, you will need to approach the local housing options and/or homelessness team at the local council as soon as possible. The local council housing options team may not be able to provide you with housing. Please ensure you update them when you receive your NTQ letter that shows your eviction. Private rented accommodation is an alternative to local council accommodation. Find your local council Local housing allowance rates (filter by city and bedroom requirements) UK, Scotland & Wales Northern Ireland Private accommodation/landlords (filter by city and bedroom requirements) DSS Move DSSaccepted Zoopla Rightmove Homefinder UK Nuroa If you secure private accommodation you may be able eligible for a discretionary housing payment from the council, to support with rental deposits and your first months rent. Please find more information below, entering your postcode where required for the correct amount: England Scotland Wales Northern Ireland You can apply for a refugee integration loan to pay for: A rent deposit or rent Household items Education and training for work You must provide your National Insurance number. You should also provide photocopies of: Your biometric residence permit, immigration status document or passport A bank statement, or letter confirming your bank details Submit your application Ensure you sign it then scan or photograph the completed form, along with supporting documents, and email them to the Home Office.
How do I get a National Insurance number? Expand If you have a BRP, you may have a National Insurance number already. It will be printed on the back of your BRP if you do. If you don’t have a National Insurance number yet or don’t remember it, you can still apply for Universal Credit.You can also call the National Insurance number application line on 0800 141 2079 (England, Scotland and Wales) or 0800 587 0024 (Northern Ireland). Ask whether they issued you with a National Insurance number. If they haven’t, you can ask what you need to do to apply for one. If you have not received your BRP, please refer to When will I receive my BRP card?.
Will the Home Office extend my support? Expand The Home Office will not reinstate support where accommodation has not been found or benefits are not in place. You will need to speak to your local council housing options team to see if they can provide you with emergency housing, or provide details of any homelessness support available locally. If you have applied for Universal Credit, you should contact the helpline to request an advance payment. The Home Office may consider reinstating support if one of the following apply: If you receive a termination of support letter or notice to quit and You have not received 7 days’ notice. You have not received your BRP You have reported the errors on you BRP and these have not yet been corrected. Or you require adaptations to your property. If you meet these criteria, please contact our helpline on 0808 8010 503.
Job Centre Plus Work Coach Expand If you are receiving Universal Credit and are job ready you will be provided with the details of a Job Centre Plus Work Coach. The Work Coach will support with job searching, connect you with potential employers, find you training programmes, support with your CV and help with interview techniques.
What documents do I need for my Universal Credit application or housing appointments? Expand NTQ showing your end of support/eviction date. Bank account details (if you don’t have one contact the Citizens Advice (CAB) Help to Claim service for further guidance. See Universal Credit section above for contact details). Details of any income and savings. Details of any work you are planning to start. The CAB Help to Claim service can provide guidance on documents required as part of their service. England - 0800 144 8444 Wales - 0800 241 220 Scotland - 0800 023 2581 Not available in Northern Ireland
Other services Expand You can download an app called RefAid. RefAid is a mobile app, that shows you nearby services, with a very simple interface. You can search for support with ESOL, housing, social engagement, food banks and employment support in your area. Northern Ireland - LawCentreNI Refugee Transition Guide Northern Ireland – Housing Executive Wales – Welsh Refugee Council