No Recourse to Public Funds — commonly known as NRPF — is a condition attached to many people’s immigration status in the UK that prevents them from accessing most public benefits and services, including social housing and homelessness assistance. For many migrants experiencing homelessness, NRPF creates a near-impossible situation. At Seaside CIC, we encounter people affected by NRPF regularly in Brighton.
What Does NRPF Mean?
A person with NRPF cannot access most public funds — including Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, and council housing. They also cannot access homelessness assistance from their local authority in most circumstances. This means that if they lose their income or accommodation, there is very little official support available to them.
Who Is Affected?
NRPF affects a wide range of people, including: those on work visas, student visas, or family visas; asylum seekers whose claims are being processed; people with irregular immigration status; and some EU citizens who have not secured settled status. The number of people affected by NRPF in the UK is estimated to be in the millions.
NRPF and Rough Sleeping
People with NRPF who lose their housing have very limited options. Without access to benefits or council housing, many end up sleeping rough. They may also be exploited by employers or landlords who take advantage of their vulnerable situation. Getting help requires navigating a complex system of legal entitlements that are difficult to understand without specialist support.
Support for People With NRPF in Brighton
At Seaside CIC, we work with people regardless of their immigration status and can help connect them with specialist legal advice and support. If you or someone you know has NRPF and is experiencing homelessness in Brighton, please contact us.
