Introduction
If you have no recourse to public funds, you may worry that asking for help with work could affect your visa. That concern is very common, especially for migrants and new arrivals who are not sure what support they can safely use. The good news is that in many cases, this does not cause a problem.
This article is for migrants, refugees and new arrivals in the UK who have a disability, a health condition or another barrier to finding or keeping a job. We explain what Connect to Work is, who can use it, and what changed in 2026 for people with NRPF, in simple English.
Table of Contents
| ✓ Quick Answer Yes. Since 15 May 2026, people with an NRPF condition who have the right to work in the UK can use ”Connect to Work”. It is free, voluntary and not classed as a public fund. |
What Is Connect to Work?
Connect to Work is a free programme run by local councils (See a sample leaflet) in England and Wales, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It helps people who have a disability, a long-term health condition or another complex barrier to get into work or to stay in work if they already have a job.
You get a personal employment specialist. This person works with you one to one. They help you plan your goals, look for jobs that match your skills and support you and your employer once you start work.
- If you are out of work, you can get up to 12 months of support.
- If you are already working but finding it hard to manage, you can get up to 4 months of support.
You do not have to be receiving any benefits to join. Taking part is always your choice.
Who Can Get Support Through Connect to Work?
To join Connect to Work, you usually need to meet these conditions:
- You have a disability, a health condition or a complex non-health barrier that makes it hard to find or keep a job.
- You are over 18 in England or over 16 in Wales.
- You are entitled to live and work in the UK.
- You want to work and are motivated to take part.
You do not need to be on any type of benefit to join. Support is available whether you are looking for your first job, returning to work after a break or trying to keep a job you already have.
| 💡 Tip Not sure if your area is open yet? Use the GOV.UK “Find your Connect to Work service” document to check the lead authority for your postcode. |
Can People with NRPF Use Connect to Work?
Yes. If you have leave to remain in the UK and you have the right to work, you can access Connect to Work even if you have a no recourse to public funds condition on your visa.
This is because Connect to Work is not classed as a public fund. It is an employment support service, not a benefit payment or housing support. Using it does not break your visa conditions.
This does not mean every NRPF holder can join automatically. You still need to meet the normal eligibility rules above, including having the right to work in the UK.
Is Connect to Work a Public Fund?
No. Connect to Work is not on the list of public funds under UK immigration rules. Public funds usually mean things like Universal Credit, Housing Benefit or homelessness support from a council.
Connect to Work gives you advice, planning and one to one support to find or keep a job. It does not give you money or benefits. This is why people with an NRPF condition can use it without affecting their immigration status.
If you are still unsure, you can check with an immigration adviser before you apply. This article gives general information only, not legal advice.
What Changed in May 2026?
On 15 May 2026, the DWP updated its official guidance for Connect to Work. One of the biggest changes was in Annex B, which sets out who can join the programme.
Before this update, the rules were not fully clear about people with NRPF. Now, the guidance clearly confirms that people with no recourse to public funds in the UK, who have the right to work, can access Connect to Work.
This update matters because many local council pages, forums, and older guides have not caught up with this change. If you read an older article that says NRPF holders cannot use this service, it may simply be out of date.
| 🗓 What’s New Old rule: NRPF eligibility for Connect to Work was unclear. New rule (from 15 May 2026): people with NRPF who have the right to work can access Connect to Work. |
How Do I Apply for Connect to Work?
Step 1: Find your local Connect to Work service
Connect to Work is delivered by your local council, not by one national office. Search on GOV.UK for the “Find your Connect to Work service” document or contact your local authority directly.
Step 2: Contact the team or ask for a referral
You can usually contact the Connect to Work team yourself. In some areas, your GP, job centre or a community organisation can also refer you, with your permission.
Step 3: Meet your employment specialist
Once you join, you get a one to one employment specialist. They will talk with you about your goals, your skills, and any support you need to find or stay in work.
Step 4: Get ongoing support
Your specialist stays in touch with you while you look for work and continues to support you and your employer after you start a job.
Ready to take the next step?
If you live in the Cheshire West area, you can register directly with local advisers through the official Connect to Work programme run by Cheshire West and Chester Council. It is free, confidential and open to people with no recourse to public funds.
👉 Register for Connect to Work – Cheshire West and Chester Council
Will Using Connect to Work Affect My Visa?
In most cases, no. Because Connect to Work is not a public fund, using it should not affect your visa or immigration status.
However, every situation is different. If you are not sure about your own visa conditions, or if you have a complicated immigration history, it is a good idea to speak to a qualified immigration adviser before you apply. This article explains the general rules, but it cannot replace advice about your personal case.
| ⚠ Please Note This article gives general information only, not legal advice. If your immigration status is complicated, check with a qualified immigration adviser before you apply. |
Official Information Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be on benefits to join Connect to Work?
No. You do not need to receive any benefits. Anyone who meets the eligibility rules can join, whether they are on benefits or not.
Is Connect to Work only for people with a physical disability?
No. It also supports people with mental health conditions, learning disabilities, autism and other complex barriers to work
Can I join if I already have a job?
Yes. If you are working but struggling to manage, you can get up to 4 months of in-work support.
What if my local council has not started Connect to Work yet?
Some areas are still opening their service. Contact your local authority to ask when support will be available in your area.
Does Connect to Work pay money?
No. Connect to Work does not pay you any money and it is not a benefit. It gives you free advice, planning and one to one support to help you find or keep a job.
Can asylum seekers use Connect to Work?
In most cases, no. Connect to Work requires you to be entitled to work in the UK and most asylum seekers do not have permission to work while their claim is being decided. If you have been given permission to work by the Home Office, speak to your local council to check if you meet the eligibility rules
Can people on a Skilled Worker visa apply?
Yes, if you meet the usual eligibility rules. Connect to Work looks at whether you have a disability, a health condition, or a complex barrier to work, not at which visa route you are on. So Skilled Worker visa holders can apply if they meet the other conditions.
Conclusion
Connect to Work can be a real help if you have a disability, a health condition or another barrier to finding or keeping a job. Since May 2026, people with no recourse to public funds who have the right to work can use this service, because it is not classed as a public fund.
If this sounds like it could help you, the next step is simple: contact your local council and ask about Connect to Work in your area.
Good Luck.
Related Articles on Life in UK Help
- How to Get a Job in the UK Without UK Experience (12 Steps)
- Working in the UK Without a Contract: Your Rights, Risks & What to Do
- Understand Your First UK Payslip Easily
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