I understand that, from January 2007, young people were granted DL or HP untill their 18th birthday and who applied for an extension before that expired, no longer need proof from the Home Office that the extension was applied for but can rely on a solicitors letter.

My question is; what about young asylum seekers who have not been granted DL or HP? Either because it has been refused or because no decision has been made?

This isn't usually my field and I'm not sure how common such situations are but I have been asked to find out.

Not really a benefit issue as if the unaccompanied child has been refused DL/HP or not received a decision on their asylum / human rights claim, they are not eligible for benefits so no letters to the DWP will help

If they are unaccompanied they are the responsibility of the local authority until their 18th birthday.

When they are 18 there are various options dependent on what stage their asylum claim is at.

If it is refused and there are no outstanding appeals, they cease to be the responsility of the local authority. Their only option would be NASS hard cases support.

If they are still waiting on a decision on their claim or an appeal, they cease to be supported by the Local Authority and become the responsibility of NASS. If the local authority has leaving care duties, NASS will usually just pay the LA to continue supporting thus saving social workers the need to go travelling around the country. If there are no duties they will probably be dispersed.

Not sure if this answers your query or not.