Introduction
Have you recently been granted refugee status in the UK? This article provides essential information on what you need to do next, from obtaining your Biometric Residence Permit to finding employment and housing. Navigating this new chapter can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts are here to guide you through any legal challenges you may face. Discover how to make the most of your refugee status and ensure a smoother transition into your new life in the UK with Contend, the Easiest Legal Help in the UK.
Congratulations! If you’ve been granted refugee status in the UK, you’re starting a new chapter in your life. Here’s what you need to know about the next steps you’ll need to take.
Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
Once you receive your refugee status, the Home Office will send you a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) in the mail. This card is important because it shows your identity, your right to study, and your eligibility for public services and benefits. However, keep in mind that BRPs will only be valid until October 2024. After that date, you will need to set up an online immigration account to prove your status. If you need help with this, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance.
Preparing for Life After Asylum Support
As soon as you receive your BRP, you should be aware that any asylum support you’ve been receiving will stop 30 days after the date on your BRP. You will receive a letter confirming when this support will end. This means you will need to:
- Stop receiving your cash allowance.
- Find a new place to live if you were provided accommodation as an asylum seeker.
Finding a New Home
If you’ve been living in accommodation provided during your asylum claim, you’ll have to move out within 30 days of receiving your BRP. Your accommodation provider should give you at least 7 days’ notice about when you need to leave. If you don’t receive this notice, you can try Contend’s legal expert chat for assistance.
If you’re living with friends or family, you won’t need to move. However, be mindful that if they are receiving benefits, having you live with them could affect their payments.
If you need help finding housing, contact your local council as soon as possible. While the Home Office doesn’t provide accommodation for refugees, your local council can guide you through your options. Be prepared for potential waiting lists, and you may temporarily stay in a bed and breakfast or hostel.
Support for Homelessness
If you’re worried about becoming homeless, reach out to Shelter, a charity that helps those in need. You can call them at 0808 800 4444 or find more information on their website.
Getting to Work
With refugee status, you have the right to work in any job at any skill level. If you’re ready to start working, you can search for jobs online. If you’re in London, the Refugee Council offers employment support services that can help you get started.
If you have qualifications from your home country, you might want to check how they compare to UK standards by contacting UK NARIC. This process does have a fee, so be prepared for that.
When you get a job offer, you’ll need to prove your right to work in the UK. Make sure you know how to do this.
Claiming Benefits
Once you stop receiving asylum support, you may still qualify for various benefits. These include:
- Universal Credit: For those who are unemployed, ill, or on a low wage.
- Pension Credit: If you’ve reached State Pension age.
- Housing Benefit: If you need help paying rent.
- Refugee Integration Loan: To help with rent deposits, household items, or education.
To claim these benefits, you’ll need a National Insurance number, which you should have applied for during your asylum interview. If you haven’t received it, contact the National Insurance number application line.
Opening a Bank Account
Now that you have your immigration status, you can open a bank account. This will make managing your finances much easier. You’ll need to show your BRP or provide a share code if you have an online immigration status.
Traveling Outside the UK
If you don’t have a passport, you can apply for a travel document that allows you to leave and return to the UK. You can find the application process on the GOV.UK website.
Additional Support
For more information and guidance, check out the Welcome: A Guide for New Refugees on the GOV.UK website. This guide covers important topics like employment, benefits, housing, education, and healthcare.
Transitioning to life as a refugee can be challenging, but there are resources and organizations available to help you through this process. Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance! For personalized guidance, consider trying Contend’s legal expert chat, where highly trained AI legal experts can help you understand and resolve your legal problems. Contend is the Easiest Legal Help in the UK.
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