Claiming benefits if you have no recourse to public funds

You cannot get universal credit unless you meet immigration conditions.

But you could still get some support.

The NRPF Network lists benefits that do not count as 'public funds'.

For example, you could get new style jobseekers' allowance for 6 months if you lose your job and have paid enough national insurance contributions.

Help for children

If you're a family with children, social services may help you with money for things like:

• rent

• food

• travel to work or school

They can also refer you to a food bank or other charities.

The help social services give to families with children is sometimes called section 17 support.

NRPF network has an online tool to work out your options.

Project 17 charity has a guide to support for families.

If you came to the UK as someone's partner

You might have no recourse to public funds. For example, if you're on a spouse or partner visa.

When only one partner can claim benefits

Get specialist help from Citizens Advice if you:

• have been told you have to submit a joint claim for universal credit

• are a joint tenant looking into claiming benefits to help with your rent

• are worried your partner's claim will affect your immigration status

Find out more about claiming benefits in this situation:

• Turn2us

• NRPF Network

Asylum support

You can apply for asylum support if you have:

• made an asylum claim in the UK

• no money or nowhere to stay while the Home Office looks at your asylum application

You can get £49.18 a week for each person in your family. This is for food, toiletries, clothes and travel.

You can get extra payments if you're pregnant or have a child under 3.

Find out more about asylum support and housing.

Where to get immigration advice

Speak to an immigration adviser if you:

• have no immigration status

• are worried about your immigration status

• want to change your immigration status, for example remove the NRPF condition