No recourse to public funds
If you’re experiencing abuse and have no recourse to public funds, you can get help.
About no recourse to public funds
Section 115 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 defines a person will have:
no recourse to public funds when they are ‘subject to immigration control’.
A person who is subject to immigration control cannot claim public funds, unless an exception applies.
It means you will not be able to claim most benefits, tax credits or housing assistance that are paid by the state. This can include being able to access emergency housing and domestic abuse refuges.
If you are not sure if you have recourse to public funds or need support, contact local charity Voices in Exile.
- Voices in Exile website
Voices in Exile support refugees, asylum seekers and those with no recourse to public funds.
More support services for people with no recourse to public funds
- Sanctuary on Sea website
Brighton & Hove's local City of Sanctuary group is called Sanctuary on Sea. We bring organisations and individuals together and campaign to help Brighton & Hove become the most welcoming city for people seeking sanctuary.
- Southall Black Sisters website
Southall Black Sisters highlight and challenge all forms of violence against women and girls, empowering them to gain control over their lives and assert their human rights to justice, equality and freedom.
- Rights of Women website
Rights of Women provide an immigration and asylum law phone line offering advice for women on immigration status, domestic abuse law and financial support options including for women with no recourse to public funds.
Community safety partnership directory
Find support services for victims of:
- domestic or sexual abuse
- anti-social behaviour or hate incidents