Clients with no recourse to public funds (NRPF): key information for staff
- many women who arrive in the UK on a visa are not permitted to access public funds, including most welfare benefits and social housing
- immigration documents will confirm whether a client is subject to No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)
If NRPF is not explicitly stated, the individual is usually eligible to apply for public funds.
- clients who are homeless and have NRPF are not entitled to social housing unless their visa includes a specific exemption, which will be clearly indicated on their immigration documentation
- although some refuges state that they accept clients with NRPF, in practice most require a successful Migrant Victim Domestic Abuse Concession (MVDAC) application before offering a place
Angelou Refuge is a rare exception, although it frequently operates at full capacity.
- where a client with NRPF becomes destitute and has children in their care, Children's Social Care has a duty to provide support under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989, provided the child is assessed as being "in need"
How to check a client's status
If you or your client are uncertain about their immigration status and/or eligibility to access public funds, enquiries can be made to the Gateshead Refugee and Resettlement Team, subject to the client's consent.
Please email [email protected] with the client's name, date of birth, nationality, and either their passport number or National Insurance number.
Migrant Victim Domestic Abuse Concession (MVDAC)
- it is often assumed that applying for the MVDAC is the best option for domestic abuse survivors with NRPF. The concession provides three months' temporary leave to remain and access to public funds where the relationship ended due to domestic abuse
- during the three month MVDAC period (unless the client already has pre settled status), the client must:
- apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a victim of domestic abuse, or
- apply for another form of leave to remain, or
- make arrangements to leave the UK
- it is important to note that applying for MVDAC without specialist immigration advice may place some clients at risk.
- depending on how the individual entered the UK, they may not be eligible for ILR and could become an overstayer, with a risk of enforcement action or removal.
- while the Angelou Centre may sometimes advise that domestic abuse workers can submit MVDAC applications, this should only be done where it is absolutely clear the client has a secure pathway to remain in the UK once the concession ends.
Legal support and advice
- clients with NRPF remain eligible for legal aid, as legal aid is not considered a public fund. This includes:
- applications for Non Molestation Orders, and
- representation in child contact proceedings, subject to the usual means and merits tests.
- it is recommended that staff contact the Gateshead Refugee and Resettlement Team to check whether a case meets their criteria.
The team has significant expertise, can co work on cases, and can occasionally provide short term funding for temporary accommodation where Children's Social Care is unable to do so.
Duty email: [email protected]
For free specialist immigration advice, the North East Law Centre operates a telephone helpline every Wednesday, 2 to 4pm.
- telephone: 0191 230 4777
- the client must be present or make the call themselves
- an online referral can also be submitted at NE Law Centre
Crisis and Resilience Fund
The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) is a government funded scheme running from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029, with £3.6 million allocated each year to support low income households in Gateshead.
The fund focuses on services that improve financial stability and resilience, helping people recover more quickly from financial difficulties and reducing reliance on emergency support in the future.
The CRF is used to provide:
- crisis payments: short term financial support for people in crisis
- housing payments: temporary help with housing costs
- resilience services: support delivered by Gateshead Council or partner organisations to strengthen financial resilience
- community coordination: investment in activities that connect and enhance local support provision
Individual applications
Individuals may be eligible for support if they have:
- lost income due to redundancy or reduced working hours
- fled domestic abuse
- experienced serious damage to their home (such as flood or fire)
- a broken essential kitchen appliance
- a medical emergency or accident
- had money lost or stolen
Eligibility is assessed on individual circumstances and the nature of the crisis, taking account of other income and financial resources available. Applicants must agree to be referred to a resilience partner for support with financial resilience and crisis prevention. These partners include the Advice and Support Team (for council tenants), Age UK (for residents aged 50 and over), and Citizens Advice Gateshead (for all other applicants).
Gateshead residents can apply for support using the online application form. Those unable to apply online can contact the Benefits Team on 0191 433 3729 or [email protected] for assistance. Council tenants can also receive help to apply from the Advice and Support Team on 0191 433 6161 or [email protected].
Emergency funding and further guidance
- Potential funding sources for clients with NRPF include:
- the Women's Aid Flee Fund, and
- the Support for Migrant Victims Scheme, available at Southall Black Sisters
- The NRPF Network provide comprehensive, up to date guidance and is a valuable reference point for practitioners
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