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  1. 1. Overview
  2. 2. Benefits that are public funds
  3. 3. Public funds - exceptions
  4. 4. Mixed households
  5. 5. EEA nationals and family members
  6. 6. Returning to the UK, benefit delays and sanctions
  7. 7. Benefits that are not public funds
  8. 8. Access to work
  9. 9. Cost of living support

Benefits that are not public funds

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 

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:

  • Bereavement Support Payment (this 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
  • Retirement Pension
  • Statutory Maternity Pay
  • Statutory Sickness Pay   

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:

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Next Access to work