What is an ARC card? Expand ARC stands for Application Registration Card. You should receive this automatically when you claim asylum. Visit the UK government website if you need to know: who is eligible for an ARC card how to ask for one how to let the Home Office know if you change your address how to track your ARC card how to use your ARC card what to do if you have any problems
I have not received my ARC card Expand If you have been told that your ARC card has been posted but you haven’t received it yet, you can track delivery. Check with reception (if in a hotel) to see if your ARC has been received. If you have not received it after 3 working days of claiming asylum then you need to report it. You will need to complete a form for each person in your household that has not received a card.
My ARC card has incorrect information on it Expand If your card has the incorrect Name Date of Birth Place of birth Gender Nationality Permission to Work Status Please complete the online form.
My ARC card does not have the correct photograph on it Expand Report this using this form on the UK Government website. Make sure you have your ARC reference and/or your delivery consignment number. See Using the ARC enquiry form for more details.
My ARC card has been lost or stolen Expand If your ARC is lost or stolen, you will need to report this.
My ARC card has expired Expand If your asylum claim is still outstanding you can request a replacement ARC If your asylum claim has been fully determined and you have further submissions outstanding then you can check with the Home Office who will confirm if you are eligible for a new ARC Card.
Using the ARC enquiry form Expand When you are using the ARC enquiry form, you must include the following details: Name Full postal address. ARC reference number Correct mobile phone number Correct email address At least one reason for your enquiry, from the list provided. Your application may not be processed if you do not correctly complete the online application form.
I am waiting for a reply from the Home Office to my question about an ARC card Expand You should receive a reply within four weeks of submitting your question or complaint. However, the Home Office will not reply to you if you are not someone who is eligible for an ARC card.
I am in initial (contingency) accommodation and want to know when I will be moved to longer-term (dispersal) accommodation Expand Home Office statement regarding dispersal delays: From the start of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown period, accommodation moves had to be halted wherever possible and our usual dispersal system was suspended. We and our accommodation providers have taken steps to ensure that people’s needs are met in all forms of initial accommodation. However, this has also resulted in having very considerable numbers of people awaiting dispersal accommodation. This is not an issue affecting asylum accommodation alone, local authorities also have very large numbers of people in emergency accommodation, who will need to be moved on. Alongside the lasting impacts of the pandemic, we are dealing with unprecedented pressures on the asylum system. There is a shortage of local housing accommodation for all due to the significant increase in those arriving in the UK seeking protection, alongside the need to meet the existing needs of those already within the UK who have been on housing waiting lists for considerable periods of time. Whilst we accept that hotels do not provide a long-term solution, they do offer safe, secure and clean accommodation while you wait to be moved to dispersal accommodation. We and our providers are presently taking steps to secure as much dispersal accommodation as we can. We are sorry not to be able to give you any clear indication at this stage of how long it may take before the housing provider will be able to move you on to dispersal accommodation, and we appreciate this may be disappointing. However, we would like to reassure you that we are ensuring moves are conducted in a fair manner as dispersal accommodation becomes available. Your housing provider will be in touch with you once your dispersal is due to take place. Accommodation is provided on a no-choice basis, however if you feel that your current accommodation is inadequate or not meeting your individual needs, please provide supporting evidence to Migrant Help, who will share this with the Home Office for consideration. Migrant Help are not able to provide an update on your dispersal. Your housing provider will be in touch with you at least five days before your dispersal (move into longer-term accommodation) is due to take place. They will: Explain the dispersal processes. Confirm the date and time of your transport to your accommodation. Tell you whether the accommodation that you are moving to is dispersal accommodation (long term) or temporary accommodation. Tell you the length of time that you are expected to be in this accommodation (if it is temporary). Give you helpful information about the area you are moving to. Tell you where you can use your Aspen card in the area you are moving to. The system of moving people into longer term dispersal accommodation was disrupted by the lockdown during the COVID19 pandemic. This means that there are still considerable numbers of people waiting to be moved from their initial accommodation into longer term accommodation. The Home Office and their providers are presently taking steps to secure as much dispersal accommodation as they can. They are working to make sure that moves are conducted in a fair manner, once appropriate accommodation becomes available.
I don’t like the accommodation I am in Expand Accommodation is provided on a no-choice basis, so you cannot be moved unless it is inadequate, or not meeting your individual needs. If this is the case, see The accommodation I am in is inadequate or not meeting my needs.
The accommodation I am in is inadequate or not meeting my needs Expand If you feel that your current accommodation is inadequate or not meeting your individual needs, please contact Migrant Help: timeforstorm.com/CustomChat/MigrantHelpellis.custhelp.com/app/askor0808 8010 503 You will need to provide some supporting evidence. If your accommodation is inadequate because of a medical issue, then your supporting evidence needs to be supplied from your GP (doctor) or medical clinician. Migrant Help will pass all reports of inadequate accommodation, and supporting evidence, to the Home Office.
I am in initial accommodation and I do not like the food provided Expand For an ongoing problem with the food provided at your accommodation, contact Migrant Help to raise an issue: ellis.custhelp.com/app/askor0808 8010 503 For a one-off issue or complaint about food, contact Migrant Help to give feedback: timeforstorm.com/CustomChat/MigrantHelpor0808 8010 503 If you raise a complaint your accommodation provider will look into the issue, and provide a response within five working days.
I am in initial accommodation and I have a health issue that requires a specific food or diet Expand The reception desk at your accommodation can arrange this for you. If you need help making this request, contact Migrant Help: timeforstorm.com/CustomChat/MigrantHelpellis.custhelp.com/app/askor0808 8010 503 You may be asked to provide evidence from your doctor (GP) or medical clinician to confirm your medical condition. If you have made this request, and the specific food or diet has not been provided, then you can raise a complaint by contacting Migrant Help then you can raise a complaint using these same contact details. If you raise a complaint your accommodation provider will look into the issue, and provide a response within five working days.
I am in initial accommodation and I require a specific diet for religious reasons Expand The reception desk at your accommodation can arrange this for you. If you need help making this request, contact Migrant Help: timeforstorm.com/CustomChat/MigrantHelpellis.custhelp.com/app/askor0808 8010 503 If you have made this request, and the specific diet has not been provided, then you can raise a complaint by contacting Migrant Help then you can raise a complaint using these same contact details. If you raise a complaint your accommodation provider will look into the issue, and provide a response within five working days.
I am in initial accommodation and I need a fridge to keep my medication in Expand The reception desk at your accommodation can arrange this for you. If you need help making this request, contact Migrant Help: timeforstorm.com/CustomChat/MigrantHelpellis.custhelp.com/app/askor0808 8010 503 If you have made this request, and a suitable place to store your medication has not been provided, then you can raise a complaint by contacting Migrant Help then you can raise a complaint using these same contact details. If you raise a complaint your accommodation provider will look into the issue, and provide a response within five working days.
I am in initial accommodation and I need baby food and nappies Expand The reception desk at your accommodation can arrange this for you. If you need help making this request, contact Migrant Help: timeforstorm.com/CustomChat/MigrantHelpellis.custhelp.com/app/askor0808 8010 503 If you have made this request, and the food and nappies have not been provided, then you can raise a complaint by contacting Migrant Help then you can raise a complaint using these same contact details. If you raise a complaint your accommodation provider will look into the issue, and provide a response within five working days.
When will my asylum support stop? Expand If you received a positive decision, your support will stop 28 days after the Home Office have recorded your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) as being issued. If you have not received your BRP card or there are errors on it which have been reported to the Home Office, please contact Migrant Help. Your accommodation provider will give you a minimum of seven days’ notice to leave your accommodation, in a Notice to Quit letter. This will confirm the date your accommodation will end. It is important that you start making plans as soon as you receive your asylum decision so that you are ready to move on.
When will I receive my Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card? Expand You should normally receive your BRP card within 10 days of getting your Home Office decision. The card is an important document that you should keep safe, as it serves as proof of your right to stay, work and claim benefits in the UK. It is also used as proof of identity for benefit purposes. If you have a legal representative, your BRP card might be sent to them. 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 might not get this advance notification. If you miss the delivery, you will get a ‘missed delivery/ Royal Mail calling card’ left at your address. Follow the instructions on this card to arrange for the BRP to be re-delivered. You can contact Royal Mail where you will need your thirteen-digit consignment number (ending with ‘GB’) that can be found on the card that the Royal Mail left at your address. Some BRPs are still being delivered by the delivery company TNT. If this is the case for you, you will receive an email or text from TNT telling you when your BRP will arrive and how to change the delivery time and date if necessary. 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 five working day.
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 you are under the UK state pension age, not in full time employment and need help with living costs. The current state pension age is 66, but please note that this will increase from 2026 onwards. You are able to apply for Universal Credit as soon as you receive a positive decision, even if you have yet to receive your BRP or proof of status. You’ll have to prove your identity once you have applied. You’ll need some identity documents for this, for example your: • driving licence • passport • debit or credit card • payslip or P60 The job centre will provide you with a full list of acceptable documents prior to your initial appointment to prove your identity. If you do not have these documents, you will need to discuss this at your initial appointment. Citizens Advice | Help to Claim service This can help with the early stages of your Universal Credit application, including making the 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 Helpline (you can ask for an interpreter) • England, Wales, and Scotland - 0800 328 5644 • Northern Ireland - 0800 012 1331 Universal Credit online You can also apply online, you’ll need: your bank, building society or credit union account details, an email address and access to a phone. If you do not have these, you can call the Universal Credit helpline or go to a jobcentre. You can also get support from the Citizens Advice Help to Claim service. Universal Credit takes five weeks to be paid. Please ask about the advance payment at your first interview if you need to receive payments sooner; or if you have already had your first interview you can phone the Universal Credit Service Centre Helpline to ask for this.
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 Your Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rate is the maximum amount of housing benefit you can get, based on factors like your local area and your household size, when renting from a private landlord. To find out more about your LHA rate by postcode or Local Authority, filter by city and bedroom requirements on the links below: UK, Scotland & Wales Northern Ireland More information on Local Housing Allowance can be found at Local Housing Allowance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 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 If you are claiming a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit you may be eligible for support towards your housing costs. Once you are liable to pay your rent, please ensure you declare this to Universal Credit. Refugee Integration Loan Ensure you sign it then scan or photograph the completed form, along with supporting documents, and email them to the Home Office. Make sure you 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
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.