DestitutionHow to evidence destitution?


What is the destitution test?

The destitution test is the same whether the person has applied for s95 support (support given to asylum-seekers whilst their asylum claims are being considered by the Home Office) or s4 support (support given once the asylum process is at an end). A person applying for support will be considered destitute if they do not have access to ‘adequate accommodation’ or they cannot meet their ‘essential living needs’ now or within the next 14 days. It is important to note that in order to show that they are destitute, the person does not need to show that they are currently or are at risk of becoming ‘street homeless’. It is enough to provide evidence that they will not have adequate accommodation or that they will not be able to meet their basic living needs within the next 14 days.

Factsheet 5 - Proving destitution

This Factsheet focuses on the evidence someone requiring s95 or s4 support should provide to the First-tier Tribunal (Asylum Support) (the ‘Tribunal’) to prove they are destitute. Updated Dec 2020.


Factsheet 15 - Suspending, delaying or reducing s95 payments and back payments of support

This factsheet looks at when the Home Office can and may suspend or reduce the cash support given to those in receipt of s95 support. It also explores when the Home Office might issue a back payment. Updated September 2018