How to manage your money as a refugee

Arriving in a new country is never easy - especially when it wasn’t your choice to leave your home. 

And if you’ve been granted refugee status and want to get your finances in order, it can be hard to know where to start.

But help is available, including financial support and free advice and guidance.

From asylum seeker to refugee: what changes?

Once you’ve been granted asylum and officially recognised as a refugee, you can start to access more rights and support. 

For example:

• you’re legally permitted to find work
• you can claim benefits
• you can get hep with finding a new home
• you can apply for a bank account

But the transition isn’t always smooth. 

Many people experience a gap in support - usually about 28 days after receiving your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). 

During this time, asylum support will stop and your new benefits may not have started yet.

So it’s really important to act quickly.

Your first steps as a refugee

After you’ve been granted refugee status, try to do these things as soon as you can.

Open a bank account

This is essential for receiving wages, benefits and paying for housing.

Apply for benefits

See what state support you might be eligible for.

Talk to your local council about housing

If you were housed through asylum support, you’ll need to move soon.

Check for extra support

You may be entitled to grants, loans, or help from local organisations.

Of course, this is a lot to take in and you don’t need to do it all in one day. 

But starting even with a few small steps could make a big difference in the long run.

What benefits can refugees get?

The type of support you can get depends on your specific situation.

For example, you might be looking for work, caring for a child, living with a disability or pregnant.

But some of the most common benefits refugees can apply for include:

• universal credit
• personal independence payment (PIP)
• carer’s allowance
• child benefit
• housing benefit
• council tax support

If you’re not sure what benefits you could be entitled to, give us a ring and we’ll check for you. 

You can also use our free benefits calculator to see if you might be eligible for additional support.

Grants and loans for refugees

Even with benefits, starting over can be expensive.

That’s why there are also grants and loans to help refugees, such as:

Refugee integration loan 

You can apply for up to £500 (or £780 for couples) to help with rent, furniture, or training. 

It’s a loan, so you’ll have to repay it over time, but it can give you some short-term relief.

Sure start maternity grant

If you’ve had a baby recently or are pregnant, you might get a one-off grant to help with costs that you don’t have to pay back.

Charity grants

Many UK charities offer support to refugees in need. Your local Citizens Advice or refugee support charity can help you find what you’re eligible for.

Contact us

For more information and advice, there are lots of UK charities who can help, such as:

• British Red Cross
• Migrant Help
• the Refugee Council 

We’re also here to help you take control of your finances and find out what support you can get, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch for practical, impartial advice.