How RMC is Helping those who are Destitute

What is destitution?
Destitution is an extreme state of poverty, in which a person is almost, if not completely lacking in resources or means of support.

How do asylum seekers become destitute?
Due to the continuous toughening of immigration policies over the last few years, the largest majority of the people claiming asylum in UK are refused refugee status. In practise this means that they are left without the right to work or claim benefits or any other support. Even though those affected originate from countries in turmoil such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Congo or Somalia, they simply become undocumented migrants and try to somehow survive. It is a situation that often impacts heavily on their mental health.

How do we help destitute clients?
• Once a client’s support has been terminated, RMC advisers liaise between NASS and a client’s solicitor.
• We assist clients to prove that their appeal was submitted in time by finding proof and sending it to the Cessation Support Team (CST), who then decide whether support can be reinstated or totally terminated and on what grounds.
• Where a client’s solicitor is no longer acting on their behalf, RMC signposts the client to a new solicitor who might help them to make a fresh claim.
• We assist clients to apply for Section 4 support*.
• In exceptional cases we liaise with local charitable groups that provide food packages and emergency shelter.
• We liaise with other voluntary organisations that can provide temporary financial support.
• We make referrals to social services and liaise closely with them to support clients in need.



* Section 4 support covers the most basic subsistence needs only: lodgings and vouchers for food.