Benefits

Benefits that are not public funds

A person with no recourse to public funds (NRPF) is only excluded from claiming benefits that are classed as public funds for immigration purposes. They may still be able to claim other benefits if they meet the relevant eligibility criteria.

Non‑means‑tested benefits

Non‑means‑tested benefits are generally available to people who have previously worked or paid National Insurance contributions. These benefits are not classed as public funds for immigration purposes. Examples include:

• Bereavement Support Payment (replaced Bereavement Benefit and Widow’s Benefit)
• New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance and contribution‑based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• New Style Employment and Support Allowance and contribution‑based Employment and Support Allowance
• Guardian’s Allowance
• Incapacity Benefit
• Maternity Allowance
• State Pension
• Statutory Maternity Pay
• Statutory Sick Pay

Some of these benefits, such as contribution‑based Jobseeker’s Allowance, are no longer available to new claimants.

Further information about eligibility is available on GOV.UK. The following organisations also provide guidance on non‑means‑tested benefits:

• Citizens Advice
• Turn2Us
• MoneyHelper

Scotland

The following payments provided by Social Security Scotland are not classed as public funds for immigration purposes:

• Best Start Grant
• Best Start Foods
• Young Carer Grant

Further information about eligibility is available from Social Security Scotland. See also our page on Best Start Foods for more information on access for people with NRPF.