Local councils can provide various types of social care to adults living in the community who have care and support needs and can also take action when an adult with care needs is at risk of abuse or neglect.
Social care is not a 'public fund' for immigration purposes and can be provided to a person who has no recourse to public funds.
Social care can also be provided to people seeking asylum who are accommodated by the Home Office. For more information, see the Home Office guidance asylum seekers with care needs.
Social care includes:
Adult Social Care services may also be involved in providing a Disabled Facilities Grant to fund adaptations to a person's home.
When a person with no recourse to public funds qualifies for care and support, they would need to be financially assessed in the usual way to determine whether they are required to make a contribution to their care.
When a person with no recourse to public funds qualifies for care and support and is homeless, or does not have sufficient income to meet their housing and/or basic living needs, then, in some cases, the council can also provide accommodation and financial support. If the person has no lawful status in the UK then a restriction on the provision of care and support may apply. Further details are set out in our information about providing accommodation to adults with no recourse to public funds.
For more information about the provision of social care, including accommodation, to adults with no recourse to public funds, councils can refer to our detailed practice guidance.
A person who has made a claim to the UK government for protection (asylum) under the United Nations Refugee Convention 1951 and is waiting for a decision from the Home Office or final decision from the appeal courts (following a refusal).
