Young Wrexham

Money

Rights and access to financial support in the UK vary according to circumstances for immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees.

European Nationals

• European Nationals entering the country must have the intention of becoming part of the employment economy by either getting a job, becoming self-employed or setting up a company
• However, they are entitled to receive income support or jobseekers allowance while seeking employment or if on a low income and can access these benefits through Jobcentre Plus

Visitors

• Most visas do not allow visitors and immigrants to claim benefits, tax credits or housing assistance that are paid by the state
• Visitors are expected to have medical insurance to cover the cost of any medical treatment that they need unless it is given in a hospital's accident and emergency department

Asylum Seekers

While an application for asylum is being considered there is some support available from the UK Border Agency. This is dependant upon income or an individuals ability to support themselves or their family.

Cash Support

• If an asylum seeker is destitute, meaning either homeless or without money to buy food then they might be offered free housing, financial help or both, known as cash support
• The money is for essential things such as food, clothing and toiletries
• If the requirements to receive support are met, the allocated case owner from the UK Border Agency will arrange for money to be available from a local post office each week
• Money can only be collected by presenting the application registration card (ARC) issued by the UK Border Agency as a means of identification
• Should this card be lost or stolen then the case owner should be notified immediately
• If Cash Support is offered it will be included in the Asylum Support Agreement
• If the conditions of the agreement are broken such as not staying in contact with the case owner or failing to inform them of a change in your circumstances then this money can be suspended or stopped

For the exact amount of Cash Support available please go to ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk.

Extra Money for Mothers and Children

• If an asylum seeker is pregnant or has children under three years old then there is extra money available to buy food every week
• There is also a one off maternity payment that can be applied for to help with the costs of having a new baby

For the exact amount of Extra Money available and how to apply for it please go to ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk.

Refugees

• Asylum seekers that have been successful in their application to the UK Border Agency and been given refugee status have the same rights to benefits as UK citizens
• They are entitled to receive income support or jobseekers allowance while seeking employment or if on a low income and can access these benefits through Jobcentre Plus

Bank accounts

• To open a bank account in the UK, proof of identification and a permanent address are needed which can make it difficult for an immigrant or asylum seeker
• However some banks will accept an application registration card (ARC) issued by the UK Border Agency as a means of identification