Housing

If you are claiming Asylum in Blackburn with Darwen, you will be accommodated in a Serco property. If you have any maintenance issues with your asylum accommodation, you must contact Migrant Help. Their contact number is 0808 8010 503.

If you are claiming asylum in the UK, you do not need to pay Council Tax and you are not eligible for Universal Credit.

If you have been living in asylum accommodation, and have since been granted refugee status, you must to move house within 56 days of the date on your decision letter. Your accommodation provider should send you a letter giving you at least 7 days’ notice of when you have to move out. If you don’t get at least 7 days’ notice, Migrant Help can ask the Home Office to let you stay in your accommodation for longer.

There are a number of housing options available in Blackburn with Darwen and the Council can give you housing advice. The website provides more information on housing advice or you can call 01254 585457. You can also get help with paying for basic things you need for your home, like beds and ovens. You can use the housing needs section on the Council website or call 01254 585444.

Together Housing can help with finding a house to rent and the Government have created a how to rent checklist if you are looking to move in to rented accommodation.

The below organisations can help with second-hand furniture: 

• Rummage Rescuers
• Children’s Store House
• British Heart Foundation furniture store

When you move into a property, excluding asylum accommodation, you may have to pay Council Tax as well as your rent. Council Tax is an annual charge for the local services the Council provides, like bin collections, libraries and parks. You have to pay it to the Council every month. Click for more Council Tax information including help with paying your Council Tax bill. There is more information on the Council Tax Support scheme on the Council Website.

You may be eligible for Benefits, known as Universal Credit, which can provide financial support for living costs. You can find out more on the benefits information on the Council website.