When an adult has no recourse to public funds (NRPF) and cannot access benefits or housing assistance, their local authority may have a duty to provide accommodation and financial support if adult social care assesses them as having care and support needs.
Social care support is not classed as a public fund for immigration purposes. This means it can be provided regardless of a person's immigration status, including where they have NRPF.
The pages in this section explain when accommodation and financial support may be provided to adults with NRPF.
If an adult has been detained under mental health legislation, accommodation may also be available as part of their aftercare package. See our social care pages for further information on mental health aftercare.
Social workers and other local authority officers in England who assess and support adults with NRPF should refer to our practice guidance.
Councils in Scotland can refer to COSLA's Migrants' Rights and Entitlements Guidance (Scotland).
Page updated: 07 July 2026
