Permitting access to public funds
Immigration staff guidance on permitting access to public funds.
Documents
Details
This guidance tells caseworkers whether to lift, or not impose, the no recourse to public funds (NRPF) condition for people granted leave within the family, private life and Hong Kong BN(O) routes.
It also covers when to consider exercising discretion for those on all other immigration routes.
The NRPF condition means you cannot claim most benefits, tax credits or housing assistance.
Updates to this page
-
Guidance updated as detailed on page 4.
Update history
2025-12-17 11:31
Updated to add reference to those supported under schedule 10 of the Immigration Act 2016, and to clarify that a request does not need to be submitted on an application form but that it allows more efficient case working.
2025-04-16 16:32
Guidance updated as detailed on page 4.
2024-11-19 16:55
Guidance updated to include information on Appendix CNP, clarify when further information will be requested and provide additional instructions on how to consider cases where the applicant is supported by a third party.
2024-07-23 09:45
Guidance clarified regarding which routes under Appendix FM allow for recourse to public funds.
2024-05-03 10:34
Updated page details to describe what the guidance is about.
2024-03-15 16:35
Guidance updated: information added providing guidance on when to consider whether to exercise discretion and permit access to public funds for those whose leave is not within a family, private life or Hong Kong BN(O) route.
2023-05-23 09:57
First published.