No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)
If you have Leave to enter or stay in the UK, it may include a No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) condition. This is normally written on your immigration documents or on your digital status. There is a range of reasons you may have NRPF, if you are a BN(O) Visa Holder, you can find more information on our BN(O) Hub. People who do not have Leave to remain 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.
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Rights and Entitlements
Some of the key rights and entitlements are:
- You cannot access any benefit that is classed as a public fund.
- You can still access GP & health services. You may be required to pay for prescriptions or certain treatments. If you are on low income, and unable to apply for the treatment or prescriptions, you can apply for a HC2 certificate (nhs.uk).
- If you have children, they can still access primary and secondary education.
It is important to know that if you, any adult dependants, or children require support from adult or children’s services then you will be able to access this support. If you need to contact your local social care services and are not sure who they are you can Find local authority adult social care services – NHS (www.nhs.uk) . There will normally be an assessment to understand your situation and further support provided if determined by the assessor.
The NRPF Network website has an excellent resource on rights and entitlements
Resources if you are destitute and have NRPF
- Destitution and Housing – Right to Remain
- For support to lift your NRPF conditions you can Get help — The Unity Project (unity-project.org.uk)
- If you need support from local community groups or agencies, you can find your closest on our Find a Service page.
BN(O) Visa Holders in the North West and NRPF
If you are a BN(O) Visa Holder in the North West you can find specific information relating to your NRPF conditions on our BN(O) Welcome Hub.
Additionally, the NRPF Network has dedicated pages on their website for Change of Conditions or Destitution Funding where you can find further information.
NRPF in the North West
The NW Regional Strategic Migration Partnership (SMP) coordinates quarterly regional NRPF Network meetings and provides a forum to highlight policy changes and address current pressures relating to individuals being support by Local Authorities and partners. Delegates include representatives from Local Authorities, Home Office, Health and members of the VCSFE Sector.
The NRPF Network provides a comprehensive resources relating to NRPF including guidance for councils and partners, case law, policy changes, training and information on NRPF Connect.