Public Funds Immigrants Cannot Access in the UK 🇬🇧 (Important for Nigerians)

If you’re in the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa, Student Visa, or most other temporary visas, your UK eVisa will usually state “No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)”.

This means you are not allowed to claim most government benefits, even if you are working, paying tax, or have children in the UK.

Understanding this early is very important for financial planning, especially for Nigerians living in the UK.

❌ Public Funds You CANNOT Access with NRPF

If your eVisa shows NRPF, you cannot claim the following benefits:

• ❌ Universal Credit
• ❌ Child Benefit
• ❌ Child Tax Credit & Working Tax Credit
• ❌ Housing Benefit
• ❌ Council Tax Reduction
• ❌ Pension Credit
• ❌ Income Support
• ❌ Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• ❌ Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• ❌ Carer’s Allowance
• ❌ Attendance Allowance
• ❌ Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• ❌ Social Fund Payments
  (e.g. Sure Start Maternity Grant, Funeral Payment)

⚠️ Important: Claiming any of these while under NRPF can negatively affect your visa extensions, settlement (ILR), or future UK immigration applications.

✅ What You CAN Still Access

Even with NRPF, you are still entitled to some essential services:

• ✅ Free healthcare via the National Health Service
  (covered by the Immigration Health Surcharge paid with your visa)
• ✅ Free state education for children
• ✅ Certain local council services, such as safeguarding and emergency social care support

Why This Matters for Nigerians in the UK

Many Nigerians move to the UK assuming some benefits may be available, especially with:

• Rising cost of living
• Children to support
• Changes in work hours or employment

Knowing about NRPF helps you:

• Plan your income and savings properly
• Avoid serious immigration issues
• Make informed housing and childcare decisions

Final Advice from Naija UK Connect

📌 Always check your UK eVisa status carefully
📌 Do not apply for public funds unless your visa explicitly allows it
📌 Seek professional immigration or welfare advice if unsure

✨ Save this article and share it with Nigerians moving to the UK or already living here on temporary visas.

Naija UK Connect — helping Nigerians stay informed, prepared, and protected in the UK 🇳🇬🇬🇧