Section 4 — after asylum refusal
Section 4 is support for people who have been finally refused asylum. The conditions are narrow: you must meet one of the 5 criteria (reg 3 of the 2005 Regulations). You receive housing + £49.18/week on ASPEN, but without the ability to withdraw cash.
5 criteria — who qualifies
To get S4 you need destitution + one of these 5 cases. Each requires a specific document as evidence.
Evidence: Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) reference number + correspondence with your country's embassy (passport, travel documents).
Evidence: Section 4 Medical Declaration form (completed by a doctor). If pregnant 34+ weeks — original MAT B1.
Evidence: embassy refusals, lack of transport, war / closed borders.
Evidence: copy of the court order granting permission. England and Wales only.
Evidence: further submissions receipt (new protection-based grounds), out-of-time appeal, JR submitted but not yet accepted, or other reasons you cannot leave.
If you are not sure which criterion applies to you — call Migrant Help 0808 801 0503 or find a solicitor (here).
What you get on S4
- Housing — no choice basis (you do not choose)
- £49.18 per week per person on an ASPEN card
- ⚠️ ASPEN without cash — the card only works in shops. You cannot withdraw cash.
- Extra payments for pregnant women and children under 3 (same as S95)
- NHS — free healthcare
How to apply for S4
Decision is usually quick (around 5 working days) if the documents are complete.
Full ASF1 process →
⚠️ What changes in 2026
Amendment to the Asylum Support Regulations 2000 reg 20(1) — illegal working becomes an explicit ground for terminating S95 and S98. (uksi/2026/209)
2 June 2026:
• The same rule for Section 4 (amendment to the Provision of Accommodation to Failed Asylum-Seekers Regs 2005 reg 6).
• Reception Conditions Regs 2005 reg 5 is repealed — the Home Office's duty to provide asylum support becomes a discretionary power.
In consultation (5 March 2026, NOT law yet):
New Section 95A:
• Single refused applicants: 21-day grace period after refusal
• Families with children: 90 days
• No statutory right of appeal (ASAP route is abolished)
• Medical help / advice against travel no longer counts as a "genuine obstacle"
This is still a proposal. It may become law, it may be dropped.
Full overview of the reforms — NACCOM →
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for Section 4?
People who have been finally refused asylum (all appeals exhausted) AND meet one of the 5 criteria under reg 3: taking reasonable steps to leave / medical inability to travel / no viable route back / Judicial Review pending with permission / breach of Article 3 without support.
How much money and what housing?
£49.18 per week per person — same as Section 95. Housing (no choice). BUT ASPEN <strong>without</strong> the ability to withdraw cash — only purchases in shops.
What changes on 2 June 2026?
Illegal working becomes an explicit ground for terminating S4 (as with S95). Reg 5 of the Reception Conditions Regs is repealed — the Home Office's duty to provide asylum support becomes a discretionary power. Section 95A with a 21-day grace period — still a consultation, not law.
How do I apply for S4?
The same ASF1 form through Migrant Help (0808 801 0503), but on the form you indicate Section 4 and attach evidence of one of the 5 criteria.
What if S4 is refused?
🚨 3 days to appeal to the Asylum Support Tribunal (form E09, ASAP provides free representation).