The Home Office can provide emergency accommodation under section 98 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 to a person who has claimed asylum, appears to be destitute and has either:
Section 98 support is provided on a temporary basis until the Home Office has decided whether a person qualifies for section 95 support.
Accommodation is often provided full-board (with meals included) in an initial accommodation centre, hostel or hotel. Financial support is not usually provided under section 98.
Section 98 support will be withdrawn when the Home Office makes a decision on the application for section 95 support. If the application is refused, section 98 support can end the following day.
Further information on section 98 support is available from the Asylum Support Appeals Project (ASAP).
Page updated: 13 July 2026
