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Requirements

Public funds and settlement

Under Earned Settlement, past use of benefits has a direct effect on how long you wait. Here is how the public funds rule works.

Last reviewed 4 November 2026Based on the Government response CP 1707

The rule

If you have claimed specified public funds in the 5 years before you apply for settlement, you will be placed on the 20-year pathway. This applies even if your earnings would otherwise qualify you for 3 or 5 years.

What are public funds?

Under the current Immigration Rules, public funds include benefits such as Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Child Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, and help with housing through a local authority. The Home Office will confirm which public funds count for Earned Settlement in later guidance.

Things that are not public funds include NHS treatment, state school places and contribution-based benefits you have paid into.

See which pathway applies to you, and your earliest estimated date.

Check my pathway

Getting back to a shorter pathway

The Government has said you can return to a shorter pathway by completing a continuous 5-year period on a qualifying route without claiming public funds.

Safeguards

The Government has said it will decide which benefits count and where safeguards or exemptions are appropriate for vulnerable groups. The detail will be set out before the rules start.

Refugees

Refugees who arrived through resettlement schemes do not need to show they have been off public funds. Refugees seeking to move from Core Protection to a shorter route need to show they have not accessed public funds for 5 years. See refugees.

Check before you claimMost visas carry a “no recourse to public funds” condition. Claiming when you are not entitled can also be a breach of your conditions. Check with an adviser or Citizens Advice before applying for any benefit.

Questions and answers

My partner is British and claims Child Benefit. Does that count against me?

This depends on how the final rules treat household claims. Get advice on your specific situation.

Does free school meals count?

Under the current rules, free school meals are not usually listed as public funds. Check the final list in guidance.

This is not legal advice. This guide explains the Government’s published proposals for Earned Settlement, which are not yet in force and may change. For advice on your own situation, speak to a regulated immigration adviser or solicitor, or check GOV.UK. Read our full disclaimer.