No, refugees cannot claim housing benefit in the UK. Asylum seekers are given an allowance of just £5.39 per day(1). This must cover their food, drink, transport, clothing and toiletries; without even considering the ‘luxury’ of mobile phone credit so they can stay in touch with family back home, or a haircut, or the occasional toy for their children.
Ask yourself, “Could I live on just £37.75 for a whole week?”
Indeed, it is a gross misconception that asylum seekers come to the UK to claim benefits. In fact, most know nothing about welfare benefits before they arrive.
The accommodation allocated to destitute asylum seekers is also not paid for by the local council. They are nearly always put in ‘hard to let’ properties, where other people do not want to live.
