Asylum support, accommodation and dispersal

Published: 19 August 2013

  • While a claim is being examined, an asylum seeker may be eligible for ‘section 95’ support, consisting of accommodation and cash.

  • Destitute refused asylum seekers may be eligible for ‘section 4’ support, consisting of accommodation and a payment card, or accommodation and meals.

  • People receiving accommodation support may be ‘dispersed’ to any part of the country and there is a risk of HIV treatment being interrupted if this process is not carefully managed.

  • Many refusals to provide support have been successfully challenged.

Since 1999 asylum seekers have been subject to a separate system of support from recipients of other state benefits. Initially asylum support was delivered by the National Asylum Support Service and became known as NASS support. NASS's functions were taken over by the Home Office and support is delivered in different ways, according to the stage of the asylum process that an asylum seeker has reached.

There are specific considerations for people living with HIV at each stage and branch of the process. These will be discussed alongside the discussion of provision at each stage.

This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.
Community Consensus Statement on Access to HIV Treatment and its Use for Prevention

Together, we can make it happen

We can end HIV soon if people have equal access to HIV drugs as treatment and as PrEP, and have free choice over whether to take them.

Launched today, the Community Consensus Statement is a basic set of principles aimed at making sure that happens.

The Community Consensus Statement is a joint initiative of AVAC, EATG, MSMGF, GNP+, HIV i-Base, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, ITPC and NAM/aidsmap
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This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.

NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.