How Much Benefit Does a Refugee Get in the UK?
by Dos team
by Dos team
If you’ve recently arrived in the UK and are seeking asylum, or you’ve just been granted refugee status, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed. The asylum system can feel confusing at the best of times — especially when it comes to understanding your rights around financial support. So how much benefit does a refugee get in the UK, really? Let's break it down clearly, honestly, and in plain English.
When someone applies for asylum in the UK, they don’t have access to the usual benefits like Universal Credit straight away. Instead, while the Home Office processes their application, they might be eligible for something called Asylum Support — previously known as Section 95 support.
It’s not a huge amount. Right now, it works out at £49.18 per person, per week. That’s just under £7 per day. If you’re a single adult, that’s all you’ll get to cover things like food, toiletries, and travel. If you have children, the amount increases depending on your family size — but only slightly.
That support is loaded onto a pre-paid debit card called an Aspen card. It can be used in most shops, but you won’t get cash in hand. And if you're placed in asylum accommodation (which is often shared housing), you won’t pay rent or utility bills, but you won’t have a choice in where you live, either. That can mean being moved across the country with very little notice.
Things shift once refugee status is granted. At that point, you stop receiving Asylum Support — and you become eligible to apply for mainstream benefits like anyone else in the UK.
This includes:
Most new claims fall under Universal Credit, which replaces multiple older benefits. The amount varies depending on your circumstances — age, whether you’re single or part of a couple, if you have children, or if you’re unable to work due to health issues.
As a rough example, a single adult over 25 can currently receive around £368 per month, not including any housing element or child-related payments. But it’s means-tested — so if you earn money from a job, your benefit amount will decrease.
It’s important to note: there’s often a wait of five weeks or more between applying for Universal Credit and receiving the first payment. You can request an advance, but that’s a loan that has to be paid back over time.
If you’ve got kids, you might also be eligible for Child Benefit, Healthy Start Vouchers, and free school meals. Again, this depends on your income and status. Once refugee status is confirmed, you’re generally treated like any other low-income UK resident when it comes to benefit eligibility.
One of the biggest stressors for refugees is housing — especially during the transition from Asylum Support to Universal Credit. Once status is granted, you’re usually given 28 days to leave your asylum accommodation. That’s not a lot of time to find somewhere new.
The good news? You can apply for housing help through your local council. If you're homeless or about to be, your council has a legal duty to assess your needs. They may offer temporary accommodation, help you find a private rental, or add you to a social housing waiting list.
In practice, though, getting housed can take time — and it's competitive. There are more people needing housing than there are homes available. That’s why it’s essential to act quickly, get support from a caseworker if you have one, and apply for benefits and housing on the same day your refugee status is confirmed.
While financial help is one side of the picture, most refugees are keen to start working — and understandably so. Being able to earn your own money brings freedom, stability, and dignity.
Once you’re officially a refugee, you have the right to work in the UK without restrictions. There are also organisations that can support you with CV writing, job applications, and training courses — including the Refugee Council, Reset UK, and local charities.
You might also be entitled to:
Support can be patchy depending on where you are in the UK — so knowing where to turn matters. If you’re struggling to understand your options, or you're unsure what to do next, it might be time to connect with the right UK lawyer who understands the asylum and refugee process and can help you explore your rights properly.
Refugees in the UK face enormous challenges — and support, while available, isn’t always easy to access or generous in amount. During the asylum process, the weekly allowance barely covers essentials. But once refugee status is granted, you can apply for mainstream benefits and build a more secure foundation.
Understanding exactly how much benefit a refugee gets in the UK depends on a mix of factors: family size, location, and timing. But you don’t have to navigate it all alone. We at Dos make it easier to compare quotes from immigration solicitors who know the system inside out and are ready to guide you through.
Need help understanding your rights, your benefits, or your options? We’re here to make the legal side simpler. Hassle-free, verified, and always focused on getting you matched with the right expert — at the best price.
