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<p>Many of the wide-ranging COVID-19 measures the Government has put in place have
been made available to migrants with no recourse to public funds (NRPF).</p><p>The
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Self-employed Income Support Scheme, which
have been extended into Spring 2021, are not classed as public funds so can be accessed
by those with NRPF. Statutory sick pay and some other contribution-based benefits,
such as contributory employment support allowance, are also not classed as public
funds and are available to all who are eligible and unable to work during this difficult
time, including those with NRPF status.</p><p>The Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme
in England provides a £500 payment to people on low incomes who cannot work from home
and have been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace. Support is also available
for those who are not in receipt of one of the seven means-tested benefits that are
part of the eligibility criteria for the main scheme, but who will still face hardship
if they have to self-isolate, in the form of a £500 discretionary payment, paid by
local authorities. This payment is available to those with NRPF, provided they meet
the criteria set by the local authority for discretionary payments in their area.
Further information on this scheme can be found at:</p><p>https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/test-and-trace-support-payment-scheme-claiming-financial-support/claiming-financial-support-under-the-test-and-trace-support-payment-scheme.</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.
The Government has provided an unprecedented package of support to councils to help
their communities through this pandemic.</p><p>We have also temporarily extended the
eligibility criteria for free school meals in England to support some families with
NRPF, in recognition of the difficulties they may be facing during these unique times.</p><p>Migrants
with leave under the Family and Human Rights routes can apply to have their NRPF condition
lifted to enable them to access public funds. They do this 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>Further guidance and support for migrants affected
by COVID-19 can be found at:</p><p>https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-get-support-if-youre-a-migrant-living-in-the-uk.</p><p>Migrants
may also be able to seek help from their embassy.</p><p>.</p>
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