If you are an asylum seeker, refugee or migrant, we can help you with things like housing advice, benefits information. There is also lots of support from local organisations.

Housing and homelessness

All asylum seekers, refugees and migrants can ask us for support to find somewhere to live. Sometimes we may be able to offer social housing.

Find out about housing services, or call 020 8921 2863 for help with homelessness.

You can also speak to Greenwich Housing Rights for specialist advice.

Money and work

• Benefits and hardship information - contact the Welfare Rights Service on 020 8921 6375
• Help to find work – contact Greenwich Local Labour and Business (GLLaB)
• Support if you do not have access to public funds (nil recourse to public funds) as you're under immigration control, contact the NRPF Team on 020 8921 2304
• Cost of living crisis - find out about low-cost activities for children, free school meals, benefits and healthcare from Greenwich Supports
• Apply for help with NHS costs
• Emergency support scheme - you may be eligible for a one-off payment to help with living expenses after an emergency

Escaping abuse

Contact Greenwich Domestic Violence and Abuse Services (GDVA) on 020 8317 8273

Get free and confidential advocacy, counselling, advice and training for people who have experienced abuse from Her Centre.

Immigration advice

If you have Leave to Remain in the UK with Nil Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF), but need financial support, you can seek legal advice. 

This can help you find out if you are eligible to apply to the Home Office for a Change of Conditions.

You can get help to complete the form at:

• Plumstead Community Law Centre
• Lewisham Refugee Migrant Support Network
• Greenwich Advice Hubs

Support seeking asylum

Contact Asylum intake unit appointments line

Phone: 030 0123 4193

Lines are open:

• Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4.45pm
• Friday, 9am to 4.30pm

Contact Asylum Help UK

If you need financial support and want to apply for asylum support. 

Phone: 080 8801 0503 from Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm (24-hour service for emergencies)

Contact Asylum Support Application UK

Phone: 080 8801 0503 from Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm

If you and any dependants are or are likely to become homeless or run out of money within the next 14 days you can claim asylum. 

Apply for asylum support

Get support over the phone or in person

Visit Greenwich advice hubs

Contact Greenwich Advice Line
Phone: 080 8278 7965
Visit: Old Town Hall, Polytechnic Street, SE18 6PN

Lines are open:

• Monday from10am to 1pm
• Tuesday from 2pm to 4.30pm
• Wednesday: 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4.30pm
• Thursday: 2pm to 4.30pm

Visit our libaries to get free access to computers, books, CDs or DVDs

Other places that can help

We are proud to fund the vital work of local organisations who support refugees and migrants:

• Plumstead Community Law Centre receives funding from the Royal Borough of Greenwich and provides free support and advice on immigration, housing, employment and more to asylum seekers, refugees and migrants, along with Greenwich residents
• Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network, a local organisation which receives funding from the Royal Borough of Greenwich. LRMN provides free support and advice on immigration, housing, employment & more to migrants, refugees and asylum seekers
• Greenwich Inclusion Project, an independent local community organisation that focuses on promoting race, religious equality, community inclusion freedom from hate crime, guidance and/or workshops
• Live Well Greenwich offers health and wellbeing support for local residents including the free Live Well Greenwich Line on 0800 470 4831
• Greenwich Supports provides support with the cost of living
• Citizens Advice is a free organisation that gives independent and impartial information to help people with money and legal matters
• Little Village can provide clothing and shoes for children up to 5, essential baby equipment like buggies, toys and books, nappies and wipes.