Asylum seekers do not come to the UK specifically to claim benefits. Most know nothing about welfare benefits before they arrive and have no expectation that they would receive financial support
Most asylum seekers are living in poverty and experience poor health and hunger. Many families are not able to pay for the basics such as clothing, powdered milk and nappies
Almost all asylum seekers are not allowed to work and are forced to rely on state support – £40.85 a week or £2124.20 a year
Asylum Seekers live in housing provided by the Home Office that is often of poor quality and the standards are very low. Housing is often in low-socio economic areas with limited access to services
Access to transport is limited for many as this is too costly for their budgets
Asylum seekers can access some education but often this stops at Level 3 courses. Many people are very well qualified but these qualifications aren’t recognised at by the UK government
