While You Wait for a Decision
Waiting for a decision can take months, sometimes years. It's a tough period — but you have rights and support. Here you'll find information about housing, money, health, and what you can do while your case is being considered.
This is general information, not legal advice. Skybow is not a registered immigration adviser (OISC/IAA).
Housing and Support (NASS)
If you have nowhere to live and no money, you can ask for asylum support (Section 95): a roof over your head and a small weekly allowance (the amount changes — check the current figure on gov.uk). Housing is given wherever there is space (the system is called dispersal) — often in another city, with no choice. If the accommodation is not safe for you because of who you are, say so and ask to be moved. You have the right to. There are LGBTQ+-friendly options too — they are below.
Rights and Work
While your case is being considered, you usually cannot work — sadly. If you have been waiting for a decision for more than a year through no fault of your own, you can ask for permission to work, but for now only in jobs on the shortage occupation list. Studying and getting NHS care, though, you can always do — that right is yours from the very start. The rules change from time to time, so check with gov.uk and with a solicitor.
Health
NHS medical care is free for asylum seekers: register with a GP — you do not need a passport or an address to do so. Sexual health and psychological support are available separately and confidentially. If you cannot get an appointment with a doctor, Doctors of the World can help. If you are struggling psychologically because of what you have been through — that is normal, and there are LGBTQ+-sensitive services (see the "Health" section).
LGBTQ+-Friendly Housing
Frequently Asked Questions
You do not have to put up with threats. Report the unsafe situation to your housing provider and request a transfer on safety grounds — the Home Office is obliged to consider the risk. Contact Micro Rainbow (LGBTQ+ housing) or Rainbow Migration — they can help you figure things out. In an emergency, call 999.
If you are in NASS accommodation, you usually cannot move on your own — the Home Office decides where you are placed. But you can request a transfer for strong reasons (safety, health, support). Discuss this with a solicitor or a support organisation.
Read next
Skybow is an information project by Mendee CIC. We are not a registered immigration adviser (OISC/IAA) and do not provide personal legal services. Everything here is general information, not advice for your specific case. Prepare your case and make decisions together with an adviser registered with the regulator (OISC/IAA) or with a solicitor through Legal Aid. Laws and practices change — check with gov.uk.