Section 4 support This page looks at s4 support for refused asylum-seekers – those who have been refused asylum and exhausted their appeal rights.


What is section 4 support?


Section 4 support is a type of Home Office support for people whose asylum claim has been refused and who have no other way to meet their basic needs. It is only available in limited circumstances, and applicants must meet a strict set of criteria to qualify.

The factsheets below explain who can qualify, what evidence is needed, and how different circumstances, such as pregnancy or mental health, may affect eligibility.

Factsheet 2 - Section 4 support

This page explores section 4 support for refused asylum-seekers – those who have been refused asylum and exhausted their appeal rights.


Factsheet 6 - Evidence for Section 4 appeals

This Factsheet gives guidance on the evidence an applicant may be expected to provide to the Home Office or the First-tier Tribunal (Asylum Support) in order to prove they are eligible for s4 support. Updated 30 April 2025


Factsheet 12 - Section 4 and Human Rights

This Factsheet looks at situations where s4 support may be available to prevent a breach of human rights.


Factsheet 8 - Section 4 support for pregnant refused asylum seekers

This factsheet provides information about applying for Section 4 support on the grounds of pregnancy or having recently given birth. It also provides general information about access to maternity services for refused asylum seekers and the particular risks such women face when pregnant.


Mental health & eligibility for s4 support

This briefing explains how severe mental health issues affect eligibility for Section 4 support in practice.


Article 8 applications & eligibility for s4 support

This note explores eligibility for s4 support for those with an outstanding Article 8 application.


Section 4 flow chart

This flow chart takes you through the steps you can take to help establish section 4 eligibility.