The Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession (MVDAC) enables certain people who have permission to stay in the UK as a partner to access public funds when their relationship breaks down because of domestic abuse.
This provides temporary access to the safety net of benefits and local authority housing assistance for people who would otherwise be unable to meet their housing and living costs due to having no recourse to public funds (NRPF).
A person granted the MVDAC will receive 3 months' leave outside the Immigration Rules with permission to:
The Home Office will also confirm whether the person is eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) under Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse.
The purpose of the 3-month period is to allow the person to:
If a further immigration application is made before the 3-month period ends, the person's leave will be extended by section 3C while the Home Office considers the application. They will continue to have permission to work and access public funds during this period.
A person who does not make a further immigration application before their leave expires, and who does not leave the UK, will become an overstayer. They will lose access to public funds, be unable to work lawfully and may be at risk of immigration enforcement action.
Further information is available in the the Home Office guidance on the MVDAC. DWP also provides guidance on applying for benefit for survivors of domestic abuse.
A person can apply if they have, or were last granted, permission to stay as:
The person must also show that:
The MVDAC is not available to people who have other types of permission to stay, such as visitors, or people who hold student or worker permission in their own right.
A person who does not currently have permission to stay in the UK may still be able to apply if they were last granted permission as a partner in one of the qualifying categories.
Not everyone who qualifies for the MVDAC will be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain as a victim of domestic abuse.
The following people can apply for the MVDAC if they meet the eligibility requirements. People who have permission to stay as the partner of:
However, they will not usually be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain as a victim of domestic abuse.
If granted the MVDAC, they will receive 3 months' leave outside the Immigration Rules and will usually need to make a different immigration application if they wish to remain in the UK.
Applications must be made using the Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession application form and submitted to the Home Office by email.
The Home Office also advises applicants to seek advice about whether dependent children should be included in an application.
It is essential that a person obtains advice from a regulated immigration adviser before applying for the MVDAC, particularly if they have permission to stay as the partner of a worker, student, graduate or Ukrainian national.
Legal aid can be available for people on a low income who are applying for ILR as a victim of domestic abuse.
Free immigration advice may also be available through law Centres and voluntary and community sector organisations. See our information about finding immigration and asylum advice.
Rights of Women operates a free telephone advice service for women who need advice about their immigration status.
Page updated: 23 July 2026
