Case Study: Preventing Unintentional Homelessness for an Afghan Refugee Family
This intervention helped prevent a vulnerable refugee family from falling into deeper housing instability and worsening health conditions.
By providing timely advice, clear information about housing entitlements, and practical resettlement support, USPUK empowered the family to secure safer and more appropriate accommodation.
Case Study: Preventing Unintentional Homelessness for an Afghan Refugee Family
Background
To protect confidentiality, the client will be referred to as Mr. A throughout this case study.
Mr. A arrived in the UK in 2025 with his wife and five children under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP). Upon arrival, the family was placed in accommodation that was in very poor condition. The property had severe mould issues and was located in an isolated area with limited access to public transport, shops, and other essential services.
Mr. A has no formal education, while his wife completed secondary education. Both have limited English language skills. Their children are at different stages of education: the eldest daughter has started college, one child attends secondary school, one child is in primary school, and the two youngest children have not yet started school.
Challenges Faced
From the beginning of their tenancy, the family faced significant difficulties with the condition and location of the property. The presence of mould created serious health concerns, and the distance from transport links and schools made daily life extremely challenging for the family. They were further affected by the benefit cap and two-child rule.
Mr. A repeatedly raised these concerns with the local council. However, he was advised that repair work could only be carried out if builders were allowed to work inside the house while the family continued living there. Given the scale of the mould problem and the risks to the children’s health, this option was neither safe nor acceptable for the family.
The poor living conditions had a serious impact on the family's wellbeing. Mr. A’s wife developed severe stress and depression due to the situation and the uncertainty surrounding their housing. At one point, she experienced a serious health issue, which the family attributed to the prolonged stress, anxiety, and pressure caused by the unsuitable accommodation.
Despite their repeated requests, the council was unable to offer alternative housing, and the landlord indicated that repairs would not be carried out until at least October 2025.
Request for Support
In September 2025, Mr. A approached USPUK for advice regarding his housing situation. He sought guidance on several issues, including:
Whether the family could move to another area while continuing to receive housing support through Universal Credit.
Whether they could relocate to London, where there are more employment opportunities for Mr. A as a mechanic.
Whether USPUK could provide ongoing advice when reviewing potential properties across the country, particularly regarding Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates and affordability.
Whether support would be available for practical matters such as school applications, GP registration, and other settlement needs if the family relocated.
While searching for alternative accommodation independently, Mr. A identified several properties but later discovered that many were also in poor condition and unsuitable for a large family with young children.
By January 2026, the situation had become extremely stressful for the family, and Mr. A reached out again seeking urgent support, fearing that his family's health and wellbeing would continue to deteriorate.
Intervention
Our Afghanistan team member, Nasir, conducted an initial assessment of the family's situation and provided guidance on several key issues:
The family was informed that they were free to relocate anywhere within the UK if they secured suitable accommodation.
They received guidance on how the housing element of Universal Credit works and how the Local Housing Allowance would apply depending on location, household size, and income.
Advice was provided on reviewing potential properties, including information about local schools, transport links, and rental affordability.
Additional support was offered in identifying possible housing options, including outreach through personal networks to explore potential opportunities in London.
Nasir committed to assisting the family with practical settlement issues following relocation, including council tax applications, GP registration, school admissions, and utilities.
Outcome
With continued guidance from USPUK, the family actively searched for alternative housing and sought advice regularly. Over a four-month period:
Mr. A contacted us more than 35 times to seek advice on potential housing options.
Properties identified by the family were reviewed, and information was provided on expected Local Housing Allowance rates and potential rent shortfalls.
The family received guidance on negotiating with their previous landlord during the move-out process.
In February 2026, the family successfully secured suitable accommodation in East London within the London Borough of Waltham Forest and relocated on 8 February.
Following their move, the family received support with:
Reviewing Local Housing Allowance eligibility.
Understanding potential rent contributions.
Applying for school places for their children.
Registering with local GP services.
Applying for a council tax account
Ongoing Support Needs
Although the family has now secured stable housing, they continue to require support with:
Applying for council tax support and discounts.
Securing school placements for younger children.
Planning secondary school placement for their child currently in Year 6.
General settlement support as they establish themselves in their new community.
Impact
This intervention helped prevent a vulnerable refugee family from falling into deeper housing instability and worsening health conditions. By providing timely advice, clear information about housing entitlements, and practical resettlement support, USPUK empowered the family to secure safer and more appropriate accommodation.
The move has significantly reduced the family’s stress and anxiety, allowing them to begin rebuilding stability in their new home and community.
Note: All personal data shared was handled confidentially and used only to obtain appropriate advice.
Information Packs from USPUK
At USPUK, we provide detailed info packs on various topics for displaced people. We assist those coming to the UK through programs like ACRS and ARAP.
If you would like to get involved or if you would like to access our Information Packs, you can find out more on our website in the Get Help section.