Asylum seekers support

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.

We have a statutory responsibility to offer assistance to asylum seekers under the National Assistance Act of 1948. We have a duty to provide accommodation and benefits to asylum seekers whilst they await the outcome of their case with the Home Office.

However, 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 assistance and do not have to be provided for by the Council. Instead, the Home Office provides support through the National Asylum Support Service (NASS).

Council Tax and Housing Benefit for Refugees and Asylum Seekers

You are eligible for benefit if you have been granted 'leave of stay' on a permanent or temporary basis. You will need to provide evidence of this such as paperwork from the Home Office or the details stamped in your passport.

Council Tax Liability

A dwelling provided to an asylum seeker under, or under arrangements made under, Section 95 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 will be owner liability class F.

This will mean that the owner and not the residents, will be liable to pay the Council Tax Charge.

For further information please visit the Council tax webpage

Council Tax Benefit

As you will not be liable for Council Tax there will be no need for you to claim Council Tax Benefit.

However if you have refused accommodation from the National Asylum Seekers Service (NASS) and have chosen to stay with people who are currently in receipt of Housing or Council Tax Benefit, this will cause a non-dependant deduction for the people you are residing with. For further information please visit the Council tax webpage or contact the Benefits team on 0121 704 6214 or email benefits@solihull.gov.uk

You can also request a form electronically and we will send one to you within 24 hours

Housing Benefit

If an asylum seeker is granted "leave of stay" by the Home Office they will be able to make a claim for Housing Benefit. For further information please visit the Housing Finance webpage or contact the Benefits team on 0121 704 6214 or email benefits@solihull.gov.uk

Useful Links

• Home Office Immigration and Nationality Directorate: http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/
• Asylum Aid: http://www.asylumaid.org.uk/
• Refugee Council: http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/

Contact Details

For further information on Council tax and Housing Benefits please contact the Benefits Team

Telephone: 0121 704 6214

Email: benefits@solihull.gov.uk