No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)
Overview
“No recourse to public funds” (NRPF) is a UK immigration condition preventing individuals from accessing most state benefits, tax credits, and housing assistance, commonly found on visa conditions for temporary stays like study or work, but support is available, especially for families with children, through local council social services, food banks, and charities, even if mainstream benefits are barred. The NRPF Network and charities like Shelter offer help, and social services can provide essential support for children’s needs.
Asylum Seeker definition: An asylum-seeker is someone who is seeking international protection. Their request for refugee status, or complementary protection status, has yet to be processed, or they may not yet have requested asylum but they intend to do so.
Refugee definition: Someone who has had their asylum claim granted because they are unable or unwilling to return to their country of origin owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion.
What does it mean to have no recourse to public funds?
“No Recourse to Public Funds” (NRPF) means a person’s immigration status prevents them from claiming most UK welfare benefits (like Universal Credit) or public housing, even if they are poor or at risk of homelessness, unless specific exceptions or conditions apply, often imposed on temporary visas for work, study, or family routes. This condition restricts access to state financial aid, but some local authority support (especially for families with children) or specific benefits might still be available, and you can apply to have the condition lifted in certain situations like destitution.
What benefits are classed as public funds?
The following benefits are classed as ‘public funds’ for immigration purposes:
- Attendance Allowance.
- Carer’s Allowance.
- Child Benefit.
- Child Tax Credit.
- Council Tax Reduction (also called Council Tax Support)
Further information and support
NRPF Network – for information about how immigration status impacts on a person’s entitlement to services and support options for people with no recourse to public funds. The NRPF Network lists benefits that do not count as ‘public funds’.
Guidance to public funds – for more information on public funds for immigration purposes and possible benefits open to new claims
Public Funds
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/public-funds–2/public-funds
If you have permission to enter or stay in the UK, it may include a no recourse to public funds (NRPF) condition. Those who do not have permission to be in the UK and require it will also have no recourse to public funds. The NRPF condition means you will not be able to claim most benefits, tax credits or housing assistance that are paid by the state.
Shelter – for homeless advice
Citizen Advice – for information and advice if you do not have permission to be in the UK and NRPF.
Right to Remain
Right to remain – for information on step-by-step guide to the UK asylum and immigration system and to access the Right to Remain Toolkit
Local Domestic Abuse Support Services
COMPASS is the domestic abuse line for Essex, and you can call them on 0330 333 7 444 or visit their website.
