Caseworker guidance updated on 9 March 2026 sets the end-of-support date at 42 days from the date of the grant letter for people granted asylum or other leave, with payment cards open for 28 days after.
Key facts
- Who: People receiving Section 95 asylum support whose asylum claim is granted with refugee status or other leave to remain, and the Home Office staff and accommodation providers who handle their cases
- From: 9 March 2026
- Source: Ceasing asylum support: caseworker guidance
Version 7.0 of the guidance, published for Home Office staff on 9 March 2026, replaces the previous version.
UK Visas and Immigration has updated its guidance on ceasing Section 95 asylum support. Paragraph 1.3 says the update reflects "the revised 42-day grace period applicable to individuals granted refugee status or other leave to remain."
Under the Asylum Support Regulations 2000, a person remains an asylum seeker for support purposes for 28 days after a grant of leave. The guidance says that, given the time needed to complete the necessary processes, a person can continue to receive support for 42 days after the positive decision (paragraph 4.1).
The end-of-support date is calculated by counting 42 days from the date the grant letter was issued. This ensures the person has at least 28 days from the point of discontinuation. Two calendar days are added only if the notice is sent by post. If the date falls on a bank holiday or weekend, the next working day is used.
The guidance also sets out the following steps:
- The grant letter states when support will end. It is served with the "Urgent things you need to do" leaflet, which covers applying for benefits, finding a job and finding somewhere to live.
- A UKVI account is created for the person, with details of how to access their eVisa.
- Subsistence payments stop in line with the end-of-support date. The payment card stays open for 28 days after that date.
- A discontinuation letter is sent by email or post, with the UKVI account details and National Insurance number where available.
- The accommodation provider is notified through the Collaborative Business Portal and issues a notice to quit (NTQ) with a minimum of 7 days' notice.
For comparison, the guidance gives a 21-day period after a refused claim (paragraph 4.2). Households with a dependent child under 18 are covered separately in section 8, which lists a grant of refugee status or other leave to remain as one of the cases where support to such a household can end.
What this means for applicants
People granted refugee status or other leave should expect the grant letter to state the date support ends, calculated as 42 days from the date the letter was issued, with 2 days added if the notice is sent by post and a move to the next working day if the date falls on a weekend or bank holiday. The leaflet served with the letter explains how to apply for benefits, find a job and find somewhere to live. Subsistence payments stop in line with the end-of-support date, and the accommodation provider issues a notice to quit giving at least 7 days' notice.
Sources
- Ceasing asylum support: caseworker guidance, UK Visas and Immigration, updated 9 March 2026