An asylum seeker is someone who comes to the UK, often fleeing persecution, torture or war, and applies for refugee status. Until refugee status is granted, such a person remains an asylum seeker. Asylum seekers often encounter homelessness and face difficulty in obtaining accommodation.
Following changes in the law due to the Immigration and Asylum Act of 1999, asylum seekers that arrive after April 2000 no longer have a right to apply for housing assistance to the Council. Instead, the Home Office provides support through the National Asylum Support Service (NASS).
Asylum Seekers must apply for this status at the port of entry or 'as soon as reasonably practicable' by personal application to the Home Office. Failure to do so may mean that they will not be assisted by NASS.
Those who are destitute may need to apply for assistance to the Social Service departments of Unitary authorities and County Councils who may have a statutory responsibility to offer assistance under the National Assistance Act of 1948. They may have a duty to provide accommodation and benefits to asylum seekers whilst they await the outcome of their case with the Home Office.
Listed below are some useful websites which give further advice and information:
