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<p>The Government remains committed to protecting vulnerable people and has acted
decisively to ensure that we support everyone through this pandemic. We have introduced
a range of measures to ensure people can stay safe and many of these are available
for those with a No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) condition.</p><p>For those whose
jobs are impacted but have retained employment status, the assistance provided under
the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (which remains in place until 31<sup>st</sup>
October) and the Self-employed Income Support Scheme are not classed as public funds
and are available to all those who are legally working or self-employed respectively,
including those with NRPF status and those on zero-hour contracts. Statutory sick
pay and some other work-related benefits, which are also not classed as public funds
and so are also available to all.</p><p>If an individual with NRPF has been working
in the UK and lost their employment, if sufficient national insurance contributions
have been made, they may be entitled to claim contributory Employment and Support
Allowance.</p><p>We have also temporarily extended the eligibility criteria for free
school meals to support some families with NRPF, in recognition of the difficulties
they may be facing during these unique circumstances. More information, including
eligibility details can be found here <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance</a>.
For families facing hardship, further government support is available which can be
found on GOV.UK <a href="https://www.gov.uk/find-coronavirus-support" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/find-coronavirus-support</a>.</p><p>Individuals
whose lawful basis of stay in the UK is based on their family life or human rights
can apply to have the NRPF condition lifted by making a ‘change of conditions’ application
if they are destitute or at risk of destitution, if the welfare of their child is
at risk due to their low income, or where there are other exceptional financial circumstances.</p><p>Local
authorities may also provide basic safety net support, regardless of immigration status,
if it is established that there is a genuine care need that does not arise solely
from destitution, for example, where there are community care needs, migrants with
serious health problems or family cases where the wellbeing of a child is in question.</p><p>The
Government has published guidance and support for migrants affected by Covid-19 on
GOV.UK <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-get-support-if-youre-a-migrant-living-in-the-uk"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-get-support-if-youre-a-migrant-living-in-the-uk</a>.</p>
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