Housing

If you are an asylum seeker in Blackburn with Darwen you will live in a home provided by Serco. 

If something in your home is broken Contact Migrant Help – 0808 8010 503 (free number) 

Council Tax and Universal Credit. If you are an asylum seeker: 

• You do not pay Council Tax. 

• You cannot get Universal Credit. 

If you become a refugee and you get a positive decision: 

• You must leave your Serco home within 28 days. 

• Serco should give you at least 7 days’ notice in writing. 

If you do NOT get 7 days’ notice: Migrant Help can ask the Home Office if you can stay longer. 

Finding a new home 

The Council can give you housing advice. You can: 

• Visit the housing advice page online 

• Or call 01254 585444 

If you need essential items (For example: a bed, cooker, fridge) You can: 

• Visit the housing needs page online 

• Or call 01254 585444 

 Social Housing (B-with-us) 

B-with-us can help you: 

• Apply for social housing 

• Get help if you are homeless 

• Get advice if you are experiencing domestic abuse 

You can find more information on their website. 

Secondhand furniture 

You can get low-cost or free furniture from: 

• Rummage Rescuers 

• Children’s Storehouse 

• British Heart Foundation Furniture Store 

Council Tax in other homes 

When you move into a home that is not asylum accommodation: 

• You may have to pay Council Tax. 

• Council Tax pays for services such as:  

• Bin collections 

• Libraries 

• Parks 

You usually pay Council Tax every month.  More information is on the Council website: 

• Council Tax advice 

• Help with payments 

• Council Tax Support 

Benefits after you become a refugee 

If you are a refugee, you may be able to claim Universal Credit. 

You can find benefit information on the Council website.