Benefits and Council Tax for migrants and refugees

Welfare benefits

Your eligibility for UK welfare benefits will depend upon your immigration status. 

If you have a ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’ condition on your visa this means you will not be able to claim welfare support. If the UK government has recognised you as a refugee (you have Refugee Status), then you're entitled to UK welfare support. 

Benefits

Until you're able to support yourself, you may be eligible to receive financial support from the government, known as ‘benefits’, to pay for your living expenses. Which benefits you receive will depend on your circumstances. 

Benefits might include:

• Universal Credit – a payment for those of working age, to help with your living costs if you’re on a low income, you could be working (including self-employed or part-time) or out of work
• Pension Credit – extra money to help with your living costs if you are over the age of 66 and on a low income, you can apply for Pension Credits online or by telephone
• Disability benefits – extra money to help with additional costs if you have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability
• Carer’s Allowance – extra money if you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week
• Child Benefit – extra money to help with the cost of raising a child

Jobcentre Plus

The department that deals with benefits is called the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Local offices are referred to as Jobcentre Plus offices and they also assist people to find work.

Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a benefit paid to you each month if you do not have a job, cannot work or you’re on a low income. The amount you get depends on things like if you have a child or need help with housing costs.

To claim Universal Credit, you will need a bank account and an email address. You will also need your passport or IS116. We recommend you start this process as soon as possible.

If you’re not able to open a UK bank account you can still get benefits, but you’ll have to collect your benefits in person and take proof of identity with you.

You can apply for Universal Credit online. You can also phone the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644.

Citizens Advice

Council Tax

Register for Council Tax if you're moving to Brighton & Hove

Find out how to pay your Council Tax, tell us you're moving or apply for a Council Tax discount.