Section 95 — how to apply
In short
Section 95 is the main support while your asylum case is being processed. Housing (if needed) + £49.18 per week per person. You apply through Migrant Help: 0808 801 0503 using the ASF1 form. On this page — 4 options, 3 steps to apply, full list of documents and a sample RFI letter.
3 steps
to apply
call → documents → send
14
sections
of documents in the checklist
9 days
to reply to RFI
if the Home Office asks for something
The fastest way:
📞 Call Migrant Help: 0808 801 0503 Free, 24/7. They will help you fill in ASF1 in your language.
🚨 If you have 14 days or less until you have to leave your housing — call Migrant Help today. For the Home Office to treat your application as urgent, you need a letter from your landlord with a specific move-out date no more than 14 days away. Ask your landlord to give you such a letter in writing (with their signature, phone number, address).
4 options of Section 95 — which one is yours?
In the ASF1 application you need to say which option you are asking for. Most people choose the first one.
S95 (SA) — Subsistence + Accommodation
Housing + £49.18/week. The most common option. For those who have neither housing nor money.
Housing + £49.18/week. The most common option. For those who have neither housing nor money.
S95 (S) — Subsistence Only
Only £49.18/week on ASPEN. You stay where you live (with a friend, relative, partner). You need to prove that the host cannot support you any longer.
Only £49.18/week on ASPEN. You stay where you live (with a friend, relative, partner). You need to prove that the host cannot support you any longer.
S95 (A) — Accommodation Only
Only housing. A rare option — when you have money (for example, your own salary) but no housing.
Only housing. A rare option — when you have money (for example, your own salary) but no housing.
S4 — Subsistence + Accommodation (after refusal)
This is no longer Section 95, but a separate category. For those who have been finally refused asylum and meet one of 5 narrow criteria. More details →
This is no longer Section 95, but a separate category. For those who have been finally refused asylum and meet one of 5 narrow criteria. More details →
How to apply — 3 steps
1
Call Migrant Help
0808 801 0503 — free, 24/7. Say you want to apply for asylum support. They will ask questions (name, date of asylum application, your situation) and help you fill in the ASF1 form in Russian or Ukrainian (through an interpreter).
0808 801 0503 — free, 24/7. Say you want to apply for asylum support. They will ask questions (name, date of asylum application, your situation) and help you fill in the ASF1 form in Russian or Ukrainian (through an interpreter).
2
Gather documents
14 sections (A–N) — list below. If you do not have a document, write a self-statement (explanation in free form with signature and date) — this is the standard "backup" option for all sections.
14 sections (A–N) — list below. If you do not have a document, write a self-statement (explanation in free form with signature and date) — this is the standard "backup" option for all sections.
3
Send
Email:
Or by post: Asylum Support Casework Team, PO Box 471, Dover CT16 9FN
⚠️ DO NOT reply to emails from
Email:
s95supportingdocuments@migranthelpuk.orgOr by post: Asylum Support Casework Team, PO Box 471, Dover CT16 9FN
⚠️ DO NOT reply to emails from
AsylumSupportDecisions@homeoffice.gov.uk — that inbox is not monitored. Document checklist — 14 sections
This is the full list of what Migrant Help will ask for. The most common reason for refusal is an incomplete package. If you do not have a document, write a self-statement explaining why.
A. Work in the UK
If you worked in the last 6 months: P45, P60, payslips (last 3 months if monthly, or 12 weeks if weekly), work contract or employer letter. If you worked earlier than 6 months ago — self-statement with a list of all employers (names, addresses, dates).
B. Government benefits in the UK
Letters from DWP / HMRC / Local Authority about current benefits. If benefits stopped in the last 6 months — letter about the stop.
C. Banks / cards / PayPal — UK and abroad
For each account: statements for the full 6 months (recent).
Explanations: each transaction above £30 — who sent/received it and why. Supermarket purchases do not need to be explained if the amounts are reasonable (~£60/week for one person — OK).
Money from friends/relatives: a letter from them with signature saying they sent it and why they cannot send more.
Closed accounts: proof of closure (letter from bank or last statement).
Accounts abroad: same. If not available — proof of attempts to get access.
Explanations: each transaction above £30 — who sent/received it and why. Supermarket purchases do not need to be explained if the amounts are reasonable (~£60/week for one person — OK).
Money from friends/relatives: a letter from them with signature saying they sent it and why they cannot send more.
Closed accounts: proof of closure (letter from bank or last statement).
Accounts abroad: same. If not available — proof of attempts to get access.
D. Business, investments, pensions, shares
Current value + evidence. Can you sell/cash them in? If not — explanation why. If the business is still running — how it continues to operate.
E. Visa in the last 12 months
If you entered on a visa or applied for a visa in the last year — what you declared (money, property). Bank statements for those accounts for the month before the visa was issued. Receipts for what you spent the money on after arrival.
F. Assets (cash, car, land)
Cash — self-statement with amount and currency. Car — V5, insurance, attempts to sell. If sold — proof of sale (if to a friend/relative — a letter from them).
G. Full address history in the UK
From the moment you arrived in the UK — all addresses (with postcode), dates you lived there, reasons for moving. If you do not remember an address — at least the city and approximate dates + explanation why you do not remember exactly.
H. How you supported yourself since arriving in the UK
Self-statement: how you lived all these months. Letters from friends/relatives/charities who helped — with signature, date, description of help and reason why the help stopped.
I. Proof of destitution (if you are asking for S95 SA or S4)
The most important section. A signed letter from the person you are currently living with: date you moved in + why you can no longer stay there + a specific move-out date (within 14 days). Full name, phone number, address.
If you have not lived there for the last 6 months — you need letters from everyone you lived with during that period.
If you rented a flat — tenancy agreement + eviction letter.
If in B&B / hostel — bill.
If on the street — self-statement + phone number (yours or a charity / friend's).
You need a valid pickup address for dispersal.
If you have not lived there for the last 6 months — you need letters from everyone you lived with during that period.
If you rented a flat — tenancy agreement + eviction letter.
If in B&B / hostel — bill.
If on the street — self-statement + phone number (yours or a charity / friend's).
You need a valid pickup address for dispersal.
J. Proof of housing (if you are asking only for S95 S — Subsistence Only)
If you live with a friend / relative / partner: a letter from them (can they continue to support you or not). A recent Council Tax / utility bill (3 months) in their name OR tenancy agreement.
If you live with a partner or spouse — also their income (6-month statements, payslips, benefits).
If you rent in your own name: a letter from the person who pays for you. Council Tax / utility (3 months). Tenancy agreement.
If you live with a partner or spouse — also their income (6-month statements, payslips, benefits).
If you rent in your own name: a letter from the person who pays for you. Council Tax / utility (3 months). Tenancy agreement.
K. Request for a specific region (optional)
Housing is given on a "no choice" basis — usually outside London. You can submit a request for a specific region if:
• Medical: chronic illnesses — need medical documents (no older than 3 months) + your explanation of special requirements.
• Disability: Care Needs Assessment from Local Authority. If you use a wheelchair — its dimensions.
• Education: your child is taking GCSE / A-level — letter from school + attendance record.
• Family: closeness to relatives — birth/marriage certificates, letter from partner.
• Religion: closeness to a place of worship — letter from religious leader.
• Victim of trafficking: details from police / support provider.
This is a request, not a guarantee. They may not take it into account.
• Medical: chronic illnesses — need medical documents (no older than 3 months) + your explanation of special requirements.
• Disability: Care Needs Assessment from Local Authority. If you use a wheelchair — its dimensions.
• Education: your child is taking GCSE / A-level — letter from school + attendance record.
• Family: closeness to relatives — birth/marriage certificates, letter from partner.
• Religion: closeness to a place of worship — letter from religious leader.
• Victim of trafficking: details from police / support provider.
This is a request, not a guarantee. They may not take it into account.
L. If you are applying for S4 (after asylum refusal)
Proof of one of 5 criteria: AVR reference (if you are taking steps to leave) / Section 4 Medical Declaration form (if medical reasons) / further submission receipt / proof JR with permission to proceed / etc.
More details on the Section 4 page →
More details on the Section 4 page →
M. Pregnancy
If 20+ weeks — original MAT B1 (you get it from your doctor / midwife — they give it at 20+ weeks). Less than 20 weeks — letter from GP/midwife or medical certificate with estimated due date.
MAT B1 is also needed for the maternity grant of £300 (you can apply from 11 weeks before birth up to 6 months after).
MAT B1 is also needed for the maternity grant of £300 (you can apply from 11 weeks before birth up to 6 months after).
N. Children born in the UK
Full long ORIGINAL birth certificate (long form, not short). Originals are returned by recorded delivery after review.
General rules:
• Documents should be in English if possible. If not — attach a translation and the name of the document in English.
• Originals only for: MAT B1, full long birth certificates, marriage / death certificates. Everything else — copies.
• Self-statement (explanation in free form) — a standard "backup" document for any section. Sign and date it.
• Do not send photos/videos with inappropriate content — Migrant Help does not pass such materials to the Home Office.
• Documents should be in English if possible. If not — attach a translation and the name of the document in English.
• Originals only for: MAT B1, full long birth certificates, marriage / death certificates. Everything else — copies.
• Self-statement (explanation in free form) — a standard "backup" document for any section. Sign and date it.
• Do not send photos/videos with inappropriate content — Migrant Help does not pass such materials to the Home Office.
What happens next
1. Home Office decision
If documents are complete — a few days or weeks. The decision comes by letter and/or email.
If documents are complete — a few days or weeks. The decision comes by letter and/or email.
2. RFI letter (Request for Further Information) — a common scenario
The Home Office often asks for extra documents: bank statements, P45, explanations of transfers. The letter comes from
Deadline is usually 7–10 working days. The letter is considered received 2 working days after it is sent.
Reply through
If you do not reply — they will refuse Section 95 and may take away Section 98 (hotel).
The Home Office often asks for extra documents: bank statements, P45, explanations of transfers. The letter comes from
AsylumSupportDecisions@homeoffice.gov.uk.Deadline is usually 7–10 working days. The letter is considered received 2 working days after it is sent.
Reply through
RFI@migranthelpuk.org or by calling Migrant Help. DO NOT reply to the sender's email.If you do not reply — they will refuse Section 95 and may take away Section 98 (hotel).
3. Positive decision
If S95 (SA) — you will be sent to dispersal accommodation (usually outside London). If S95 (S) — you continue living where you live and start receiving £49.18/week on ASPEN. How to use ASPEN →
If S95 (SA) — you will be sent to dispersal accommodation (usually outside London). If S95 (S) — you continue living where you live and start receiving £49.18/week on ASPEN. How to use ASPEN →
4. Refusal
🚨 You have 3 DAYS to appeal. Call ASAP 020 3716 0283. More details →
🚨 You have 3 DAYS to appeal. Call ASAP 020 3716 0283. More details →
Can I work while waiting?
Almost always — no.
Narrow exception (since 2020): you can apply for permission to work if:
• You are waiting for an initial asylum decision for more than 12 months and
• The delay is not your fault and
• The job is on the Immigration Salary List (previously called the Shortage Occupation List) — a narrow list of professions.
You apply through gov.uk → "Apply for permission to work as an asylum seeker". If permission is granted, you can only work in a job from the shortage list, not any job.
⚠️ Working without permission is a serious violation. From 27 March 2026 this is a clear reason to withdraw Section 95/98, from 2 June 2026 — also Section 4. If you have already worked without permission, read "My S95 was taken away".
Narrow exception (since 2020): you can apply for permission to work if:
• You are waiting for an initial asylum decision for more than 12 months and
• The delay is not your fault and
• The job is on the Immigration Salary List (previously called the Shortage Occupation List) — a narrow list of professions.
You apply through gov.uk → "Apply for permission to work as an asylum seeker". If permission is granted, you can only work in a job from the shortage list, not any job.
⚠️ Working without permission is a serious violation. From 27 March 2026 this is a clear reason to withdraw Section 95/98, from 2 June 2026 — also Section 4. If you have already worked without permission, read "My S95 was taken away".
Sample letters
Anonymised examples of real letters — so you know what they look like.
📄 Samples are being prepared for publication. For now — call Migrant Help 0808 801 0503, they will explain what all the standard documents look like.
Frequently asked questions
What are the 4 options of Section 95?
S95 (SA) — housing + £49.18/week. S95 (S) — only money (you stay where you live). S95 (A) — only housing (rare). S4 — a separate option after asylum refusal.
Where do I send documents?
Email: s95supportingdocuments@migranthelpuk.org. By post: PO Box 471, Dover CT16 9FN. DO NOT reply to emails from AsylumSupportDecisions@homeoffice.gov.uk — that inbox is not monitored.
What is an RFI letter and how long do I have to reply?
The Home Office often asks for extra documents after ASF1. Usually 7–10 working days deadline. If you do not reply, they will refuse Section 95 and may take away Section 98 (hotel).
Can I work?
Almost always no. Exception: waiting for initial decision >12 months through no fault of your own + job on the Immigration Salary List.
Can I choose the city?
No, it is on a no-choice basis. You can submit an accommodation request for medical / disability / education (GCSE/A-level) / family / religion / trafficking reasons — this is a request, not a guarantee.
What if I had transactions over £30 in my account?
Each transaction over £30 in your bank statement must be explained (where from / where to / why). Supermarket purchases do not need to be explained if the amounts are reasonable (~£60/week for one person — OK). If friends sent you money, you need a letter from them.
I don't have all the documents — what should I do?
The most common reason for refusal is missing information. If you cannot provide a document, write a self-statement (explanation) why you cannot and attach alternative evidence.
What if I am refused?
🚨 You have 3 DAYS to appeal. Call ASAP 020 3716 0283 — they represent you for free (they win 63%). More details: /asylum-support/appeals/