Learn 6 key supports available to asylum seekers in the UK and how Legal Aid works in England & Wales, including eligibility, means test and merits test.
If you’ve claimed asylum in the UK, it’s normal to have questions about your rights while the Home Office considers your case. Here are six common forms of support during the process, plus a clear guide to Legal Aid (free legal assistance) in England and Wales.
Introduction
If you have submitted an asylum claim in the United Kingdom, it’s natural to have questions about what you can and cannot access while the Home Office reviews your case. Below are six common supports available during the asylum process, followed by a clear explanation of Legal Aid (free legal assistance) in England and Wales.
Note: This article provides general information and is not a substitute for personalised legal advice.
1) Protection from removal while your case is decided
While your asylum application is under consideration, you are usually not removed from the UK.
There can be limited exceptions, for example where another European state requests a transfer under applicable rules (such as the Dublin framework) or in situations linked to international criminal proceedings.
2) Accommodation and financial support if you have no resources
If you do not have the means to support yourself, the asylum system may provide basic accommodation. In some cases, this can include hotels or temporary housing, plus a weekly payment to cover essential needs such as:
- food
- local transport
- day-to-day essentials
3) Healthcare through the NHS
During the asylum process, many people can access the NHS for GP appointments and primary care. Depending on your circumstances and local provision, there may also be access to services such as:
- dentistry
- optometry
4) Interpreters and legal guidance: what is and isn’t guaranteed
In practice, having a solicitor funded by the state is not always automatic. However, if you cannot afford legal representation and your case falls within covered areas, you may be able to apply for Legal Aid.
If language is a barrier, you can request an interpreter at key stages—especially for interviews or important steps where understanding and communication must be ensured.
5) Schooling for under-18s
Children and young people under 18 generally have the right to attend state education, helping them maintain schooling while the family waits for a decision.
6) Possibility of working after 12 months (with limits)
If 12 months have passed since you applied for asylum and you still have no decision, you may be able to request permission to work—provided you have not caused delays in the process.
In most cases, permission (if granted) is limited to roles on the Shortage Occupation List / eligible shortage roles.
Legal support & contact
For support with asylum, protection, or other legal matters, you can contact EMultiservices:
- WhatsApp: +44 7438 769 555
- Email: info@emultiservices.com
What is Legal Aid for asylum seekers in England & Wales?
Legal Aid (sometimes informally referred to as “state-funded lawyers”) is a publicly funded legal help scheme for certain legal matters, including asylum and some specific immigration issues.
Important: The existence of Legal Aid does not mean it is instant, unlimited, or available for every type of immigration application. Some people on low incomes may still not qualify, depending on the type of case and the required assessments.
When Legal Aid may apply
Generally, state-funded legal help may cover areas such as:
- Asylum applications
- Immigration bail
- Proceedings before SIAC (Special Immigration Appeals Commission)
- Asylum support matters: accommodation and financial support applications
- Cases involving under-18s in the care of a Local Authority or separated from parents
- Certain domestic abuse situations (subject to the scheme’s requirements)
Financial eligibility: the “means test”
Access to Legal Aid often depends on an assessment of your financial situation, which may include:
- current income
- savings
- capital or assets
Based on this information, it is decided whether you meet the threshold for publicly funded legal support.
Case strength assessment: the “merits test”
Some matters also require a review of whether the case has sufficient legal merit. For example, if there has been a previous refusal, a legal representative may assess the likelihood of success.
In certain situations, representation may only be taken on at no cost if the case shows a reasonable prospect of success (often discussed as around 50% or above, depending on the criteria applied).
FAQ
Can asylum seekers get a free solicitor in the UK?
Sometimes—if your case is covered and you pass the means test (and, where required, the merits test) for Legal Aid in England & Wales.
Can I work while my asylum claim is pending?
In many cases, you can only request permission after 12 months, and work is typically restricted to shortage/eligible roles, provided you did not cause delays.
Do asylum seekers have access to the NHS?
Many asylum seekers can access primary healthcare, and in some cases services like dentistry and optometry, depending on circumstances and local availability.
Post Detail
- Date: 4 January 2026
- Author: Ales Gutierres (Editor/Redactor)