EnglishArabicChinese (Simplified)CzechFrenchGermanItalianPolishRomanianRussianSpanishSerbian

No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) and homelessness

Glass Door Homeless Charity explains what it means to have No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF), and the implications for people facing or experiencing homelessness.

What does No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) mean? 

When someone is granted leave to enter or remain in the UK under immigration law, they may be subject to a condition called No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) under the Immigration Act 1999. 

This means they are not eligible for most kinds of welfare benefits, or statutory homelessness assistance and social housing allocation from their local authority due to their immigration status conditions. It does not mean there is no possible support available at all – some forms of assistance (including certain social services support and non-public fund benefits) may still be accessible depending on circumstances.  

Who has the NRPF condition? 

NRPF is a condition attached to certain forms of limited immigration leave. It is not a standalone immigration category, but a restriction that can be applied to a person’s visa or leave to remain.  

People who may be subject to NRPF include: 

  • Visitors with limited leave to enter 

  • Work and family visa holders (such as skilled worker, student, spouse or family routes) 

  • Adult dependent relative visa holders 

  • People on certain private or family life routes 

  • Those granted discretionary or limited leave to remain with conditions attached 

  • Some individuals awaiting or transitioning between immigration statuses. 

Which migrants do NOT have the NRPF condition? 

There are people who are granted access to public funds, meaning they can access welfare benefits, homelessness assistance, and social housing where eligible. 

They include: 

  • those with the right of abode (British and some Commonwealth citizens) 

  • Irish citizens (generally not subject to immigration control) 

  • those with indefinite leave to remain or settled status (including EU settled status) 

  • recognised refugees 

  • those granted humanitarian protection 

  • those with certain forms of leave outside the rules where public funds are permitted 

  • Resettled groups such as those arriving under Ukraine or Hong Kong schemes 

  • those granted leave under specific domestic abuse or trafficking concessions 

  • Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children with qualifying leave.  

Can someone who is NRPF gain access to public funds? 

Having an NRPF condition is not always permanent.  Some people can apply to the Home Office for a ‘change of conditions’ application, which may remove the NRPF restriction and allow access to public funds. While the application is free, it is very complex and time-consuming, and it is a good idea for the applicant to get legal advice beforehand.  

Eligibility is generally limited to people on certain family or private life routes.  

However, not all migrants are able to apply for a change of conditions. They are typically those on family or work visas who have experienced a change of circumstances, such as separating from their partner, becoming a carer or losing their job.  

You can apply if you: 

  • are a parent or partner on the 5- or 10-year settlement route 

  • have lived in the UK for over 20 years, or 7 years if you are a child 

  • are 18-25 and have spent most of your life in the UK.  

Applicants must usually show evidence of destitution or imminent destitution or exceptional financial or child welfare circumstances.  

What homelessness support can someone with the NRPF condition access? 

While NRPF significantly limits access to statutory support, some assistance may still be available. 

Local authorities may, in some cases, provide support through discretionary powers or local welfare schemes, depending on eligibility. This may include help with essentials such as food, clothing, or emergency support. 

Charities also play a vital role. At Glass Door, we can offer our guests basic toiletries and clothing, as well as access to hot meals, showers and laundry facilities at partner day centres. Food banks are also available to anyone in need.  

In some circumstances, people may access support from social services through a Community Care Needs Assessment, if they have eligible care needs, regardless of immigration status. 

Finally, there are other benefits that are not classed as ‘public funds’ under immigration rules and may still be accessible depending on individual circumstances.  If you’d like to learn more about how we support migrants at Glass Door Homeless Charity, you can read about our Migrant Project. 

The term NRPF is also used more broadly in the homelessness and migrant sector as a shorthand for people who cannot access welfare benefits or statutory housing support due to their immigration status. In practice this can include people who have an NRPF condition on their visa, as well as others who are excluded from public funds because they are undocumented or have unresolved immigration status. 

 While these groups face similar challenges in terms of accessing support, their legal situations are different. At Glass Door we support people regardless of their immigration status by focusing on immediate need and dignity, offering access to our night shelters and specialist casework support. 

Manage Cookie Preferences