💷 What to Do When Your Home Office Support Ends
When the Home Office or UKVI stops giving you money, you will need to get new financial support. If you don’t have a job, the best way to get help is to apply for Universal Credit.
✅ What is Universal Credit?
🧾 Universal Credit is money from the government to help you pay for:
- Your housing 🏠
- Your food 🥖
- Living costs 💡
It is paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Their offices are called Jobcentre Plus.
⏰ When will I get my money?
You will NOT get it right away. You will get your first payment about 5 weeks after applying. So it’s very important to apply as soon as possible!
🛏️ What Else Can Help?
You can also apply for a Refugee Integration Loan 💳. This loan can help you pay for things like:
- A rent deposit 💰
- Household items like beds or kitchen things 🛏️🍴
- Courses or training to help you find a job 🧑🏫💼
👉 In Person (go there)
Main Jobcentre Plus office in Leeds:
📍 21-22 Park Place, Leeds, LS1 2SL
📞 0800 169 0190
You can also go to your local Jobcentre Plus near your home.
👉 You can apply Online (if you have a bank account)
👉 By Phone
📞 Universal Credit Helpline: 0800 328 5644 Call if you need help with your application.
📑 What Should I Take with Me?
Bring as many of these as you can:
✅ Carry both your eVisa (on your phone or printed screenshot) and your expired BRP
✅ A Home Office letter that says you are now a refugee
✅ Any letter that says you must leave your current housing (with the date) 🏚️
✅ A letter from your GP or support worker if you have health or housing needs 🧑⚕️
🧑💼 What Help Can Jobcentre Plus Give You?
- Help you apply for Universal Credit 📝
- Give you an advanced payment (a small loan while you wait) 💷
- Send you to Food Banks 🍞
- Help you get free furniture 🪑
- Give you a Social Justice worker to support your case 💬
👩⚖️ Need Extra Help With Benefits?
You can contact Leeds City Council Welfare Rights Unit. They can:
- Give you free advice about benefits 📞
- Help fill out forms and post them ✍️📮
- Tell you which benefits you can claim 💡
- Help you if your claim is refused 🙋
📞 0113 376 0452
🕘 Monday–Thursday: 9am–4:30pm
🕘 Wednesday: 10:15am–4:30pm
🕘 Friday: 9am–4pm
🧑💼 Citizens Advice Leeds can help too, They give free advice by:
🕘 Drop-in times: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9am–1pm
🕘 Appointment-only:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 1pm–4pm
Tuesday & Thursday: 9am–4pm
📞 Call: 0808 2 78 78 78
☎️ Help to Claim – Universal Credit Support Line, You can also call Citizens Advice Help to Claim if you need help applying.
📞 0800 144 8 444
🕗 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
📢 REMEMBER:
Applying early is very important! This support can help you start your new life in the UK.
