Work, benefits, and financial support
People seeking asylum have no recourse to public funds, therefore cannot receive benefits or find employment (unless in exceptional circumstances), however they will receive a small cash allowance. There are additional payments for carers of young children and during pregnancy. While you cannot access paid work, you are able to volunteer, which will enable you to meet new people, use your skills, practice your English and get valuable experience of working in the UK.
If you have been waiting for an outcome to your asylum claim for over a year, you can apply to work in specific roles. You can get advice on how to do this and the implications for your housing and support from CRMC or Migrant Help.