No Recourse to Public Funds

A person who has 'no recourse to public funds' (NRPF) status cannot claim benefits or any money from the 'public purse'. This is usually because they are subject to immigration control. For example they do not have British Citizenship or 'leave to remain in the UK' (they do not have permission from the home office to be in the UK).

Why might someone have no recourse to public funds?

This is usually because someone's visa or 'leave to remain' says they cannot get this help. For example, they might:

be employed as a skilled worker
have a student visa
be a temporary migrant (visitor to the UK)
not have permission to be in the UK.

People from a European Union country (European Economic Area - EEA) who have settlement status have access to public funds. Those who have pre-settlement status are identified as having NRPF.

For those who do not have access to public funds in exceptional circumstances, we may consider offering temporary support.

What are public funds?

Public funds include most benefits such as:

Universal Credit
Pension Credit
Personal Independence Payment
Carer's Allowance
Disability Living Allowance
Housing Benefit
Access to council housing
Support to fund private rented accommodation.

How can we help?

Sometimes people can get emergency help from the council if they have children and are homeless, or will be soon. People can only get help from the council's homeless team if they meet immigration conditions.

Children's social care keeps children safe and supports families. Usually they only help if no one else can. They expect the person to ask friends, family members, charities or community groups first.

In Nottinghamshire, we have a duty to assess the needs of those small number of people who have children in their care and have NRPF status and who consider themselves 'destitute'. There is clear policy and guidance in respect of this for Nottingham children's social care to follow.

Children's social care may be able to give people some immediate help if they are on the streets or need money for food.