Choosing where to stay as an asylum seeker: leaflet (accessible)
Published 19 August 2026
© Crown copyright 2026
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/choosing-where-to-stay-as-an-asylum-seeker/choosing-where-to-stay-as-an-asylum-seeker-leaflet-accessible
Call Migrant Help for free on: 0808 8010 503
You do not have to stay in Home Office accommodation
Do you have friends or family already living in the UK?
Do they have space for you to stay with them?
You can stay with friends or family instead of in Home Office accommodation.
It will not impact the outcome of your asylum application, and if eligible, you will still get weekly money for food and other essential items.
Why should I stay with friends or family?
- Live closer to people you know
- Receive weekly money if eligible
- Cook your own food
- Feel more at home
How can I move out of Home Office accommodation?
-
Talk to your friends or family first to make sure they are happy for you to live with them.
-
Call Migrant Help on 0808 8010 503 and tell them the address you want to move to.
-
Migrant Help will submit your request to the Home Office to process.
-
Once you and your friend or family member have provided Migrant Help with all the information required, you must wait for the Home Office to confirm the outcome of your request before moving to new accommodation.
If you move without telling Migrant Help, you could lose your financial support, so it is important you contact them first.
We may be able to help with travel costs to your new accommodation.