Asylum seekers
and refugees

State benefits

Asylum seekers are not entitled to work or to access mainstream benefits such as Income Support or Job Seeker’s Allowance. Instead, those who have claimed asylum and whose claim is under consideration may receive financial and accommodation support from the Border and Immigration Agency.

Those who have been granted Refugee status, Humanitarian Protection or Discretionary Leave or Indefinite Leave to Remain, outside of the immigration rules, may access the same mainstream welfare support as UK citizens.

For more detailed help and advice on these technical areas, you can contact the following organisations:

• Job Centre Plus

• Citizens Advice Bureau

• Scottish Refugee Council
  Freephone: 0800 0856087