No recourse to public funds

A person who has no recourse to public funds (NRPF) is subject to immigration control and generally will not be able to access financial help from the Government. This includes most benefits and housing assistance.

Certain households may be eligible for support from our social services departments. Council staff will treat you humanely and respectfully, regardless of your country of origin or immigration status.

Who can apply?

There are three main groups who can apply for assistance:

• Families who are destitute or who are at risk of being destitute. This includes families who are experiencing homelessness or who are struggling to meet their family’s essential needs.
• Single adults with care needs. This includes adults with complex needs who require care and support due to a disability.
• Young people leaving care. Young people who have been looked after by the local authority.

How can you apply for help?

Families or practitioners can make a referral to our Multi Agency Support team (MASH). MASH provides a single point of access to the services that help keep children safe. You can call 020 8314 6660 or email mashagency@lewisham.gov.uk.

Adults or practitioners can make a referral to our Adult Social Care team. Our social care team for adults provides an advice, information and assessment service to those in need. You can call 020 8314 7777 or email gateway@lewisham.gov.uk.

Useful resources

It may be possible for families and individuals with limited leave to remain to apply to have your no recourse to public funds restriction lifted if you are experiencing financial hardship. The Home Office is required to consider the impact of any restriction on the welfare of children.

Find more information about how to apply.

You can use the NRPF Network's web tool to find more information about the law covering NRPF entitlements and the rights of individuals and families.

Financial and practical support

British Red Cross Refugee Services Destitution Service

For anyone who has ever had an asylum or protection claim in the UK (including those with refused claims who are appeal rights exhausted)

Call the British Red Cross Refugee Services Team and request an assessment for destitution support on 020 7704 5670 or email LondonRU@redcross.org.uk.

Refugee Council London Destitution Service

For people seeking asylum or refused asylum who are vulnerable and homeless.

Jesuit Refugee Service

Offers NRPF bedspaces and destitution support. Call 020 74887310 and leave a message for a call back.

Casework and legal advice

Action For Refugees in Lewisham

Works with vulnerable migrants and offers advice and casework (including a drop in for Asylum Seekers, refused asylum seekers and recently granted refugees), Foodbank, Supplementary School and Immigration advice Project.

Call 020 8297 4111 or email info@afril.org.uk.

Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network

Offers immigration advice, housing and welfare advice, campaigns and community groups.

Call 020 8694 0323 or email info@lrmn.org.uk.

Notre Dame Refugee Centre Immigration Advice Line

Offers immigration advice on any immigration cases except Asylum or EU cases.

Aire Centre Advice Line

For EEA Nationals and their family members. 

Call the advice line 020 78314276 or email info@airecentre.org.

Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants

Offers a free, confidential immigration advice line for migrants without valid leave/status in the UK.

Citizens Advice

Offers advice on immigration issues and claiming financial support. You can call their freephone advice line on 0800 231 5453 or make an online referral.