A person with no recourse to public funds is only excluded from claiming benefits that are classed as 'public funds' for immigration purposes. Therefore, a person with no recourse to public funds may be able to claim any other benefit if they meet the qualifying requirements.
Non means-tested benefits are available to a person who has previously worked and/or paid National Insurance contributions. Such benefits are not classed as ‘public funds’ for immigration purposes.
Non means-tested benefits (that are not 'public funds') include:
Some of these benefits, such as contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance, can no longer be applied for.
More information about the qualifying requirements for each of these benefits is available on gov.uk. The following organisations can also provide information and advice about claiming non means-tested benefits:
The following payments administered by Social Security Scotland are not classed as ‘public funds’ for immigration purposes.
For more information about the qualifying requirements for each of these, see Social Security Scotland. Read our webpage on Best Start Foods for more information on whether a person with NRPF can access this.
Page updated: 29 May 2025
