Some benefits are not classed as public funds and may be available to people with no recourse to public funds (NRPF) who are in employment. See our webpage on benefits that are not classed as public funds.
People who are working and have childcare responsibilities may be able to access free childcare schemes. However, access may be restricted for people with NRPF.
The following support is generally available regardless of immigration status:
Access to Work is a government scheme that provides support to people in work who have a disability or physical or mental health condition. This may include:
Access to Work is available to people who are living and working in England, Scotland and Wales.
Access to Work is not a public fund for immigration purposes. A person with permission to work who is subject to NRPF may be eligible if they meet the relevant criteria. DWP staff guidance confirms that people with leave to remain with an NRPF condition can access Access to Work support.
Further information on eligibility and how to apply is available on GOV.UK.
Connect to Work is a government funded employment programme operating in England and Wales that supports people to find and stay in work. The programme is delivered locally by public and voluntary sector organisations.
Support can include:
To be eligible, a person will usually need to:
Disadvantaged groups may include:
A person must also meet suitability criteria, for example that they are:
A person with no recourse to public funds (NRPF) may be eligible for Connect to Work if they have leave to remain and permission to work. Connect to Work is not classed as a public fund and can be accessed by a person with leave to remain and an NRPF condition. However, access will depend on meeting the programme’s eligibility criteria and may vary depending on local provision.
Further information on eligibility and how to access Connect to Work is available GOV.UK.
Page updated: 10 June 2026
