Asylum seekers and refugees
This information is applicable if you are in accommodation provided by the Home Office and are applying for asylum to remain in the UK.
If you have received a positive decision on your asylum application
- you have permission to work in the UK - search for a job on DWP's website
- you are eligible for local authority services, including benefits - check what benefits you can claim on the Citizens Advice website
- you should receive a National Insurance number in the post, if not, apply for a National Insurance number on the government's website
- you can apply to a local authority for assistance with housing - find your local council using the government's website
- you can open a bank account - get help with opening a bank account on the Citizens Advice website
If you have not yet received a decision
- you will be accommodated by the Home Office until you receive a decision on your application. Do not voluntarily leave this accommodation before a decision has been made on your application
- you should start preparing for when you receive your decision (where will you live, how will you pay for it?)
If you have received a negative decision on your asylum application
- you are not eligible for local authority services (including benefits) therefore you will not be owed a duty under homelessness legislation or be able to access the housing register
- if you do not have any housing available to you and have one or more dependent children, you will be referred to Childrens Services at West Sussex County Council. If you do not have any dependant children you will need to arrange your own accommodation