Public Funds You Can Get for Free in the UK as Students and Workers – The United Kingdom offers a variety of public funds to support its citizens, including students and workers. Public funds are financial aids and benefits provided by the UK government to eligible individuals.
In this article, we will discuss the public funds available to international students and workers in the UK, as well as what benefits are not considered public funds.
UK Government Benefits for International Students
International students in the UK may be eligible for certain government benefits. However, eligibility depends on various factors, including your immigration status, age, and financial situation. Here are some benefits that international students may be eligible for:
- Council Tax Reduction: If you are a full-time student and live in student accommodation, you may be eligible for a council tax reduction.
- Housing Benefit: If you are on a low income or receive certain other benefits, you may be eligible for housing benefits to help you pay your rent.
- Jobseeker’s Allowance: If you are looking for work and are available to work, you may be eligible for a jobseeker’s allowance.
- Income Support: If you are on a low income and meet certain other criteria, you may be eligible for income support.
- Child Tax Credit: If you have children, you may be eligible for a child tax credit to help with the cost of raising them.
What Benefits are Not Public Funds?
Not all government benefits are considered public funds. Some examples of benefits that are not considered public funds include:
- Education: Education, such as scholarships or bursaries, is not considered public funds.
- Housing Assistance: Some housing assistance programs, such as those provided by universities or charities, are not considered public funds.
- Private Healthcare: Private healthcare, such as medical insurance or private medical treatment, is not considered public funds.
Can International Student Get Child Benefit in UK?
International students may be eligible for Child Benefits if they have a child living with them in the UK. Child Benefit is a monthly payment provided by the UK government to help with the costs of raising a child. However, there are certain criteria that must be met to be eligible, such as the child is under the age of 16 (or under 20 if they’re in approved education or training), and the child being a resident of the UK.
What are Public Funds in UK?
Public funds in the UK are financial aids and benefits provided by the government to eligible individuals. These funds include, but are not limited to:
- Housing Benefits: This financial assistance is provided to eligible individuals to help cover the cost of accommodation.
- Income Support: This benefit is provided to individuals who have a low income and are unable to work due to a disability, caring responsibilities, or other reasons.
- Jobseeker’s Allowance: This benefit is provided to individuals who are unemployed and actively seeking employment.
- Tax Credits: This financial aid is provided to individuals who have a low income or have children.
What Does No Public Funds Mean on UK Visa?
When applying for a UK visa, you may see the phrase ‘no public funds.’ This phrase means that you cannot receive any form of government assistance while you are in the country. Public funds refer to any form of financial assistance provided by the government, such as housing benefits, job seeker’s allowance, and child tax credits.
If you are granted a visa with the condition of ‘no public funds,’ you will not be able to access any of these benefits, even if you are eligible for them. This condition applies to all types of UK visas, including student visas and work visas.
No Public Funds UK Student Visa
If you are an international student studying in the UK, you may wonder what public funds are available to you. As mentioned earlier, you cannot receive any form of government assistance if your visa has the ‘no public funds’ condition. However, there are some public funds that you can receive, such as:
- National Health Service (NHS) Treatment: International students are entitled to free medical treatment under the NHS. This includes doctor visits, hospital treatment, and emergency care.
- Student Finance: International students are eligible for student finance, which includes tuition fee loans, maintenance loans, and grants. However, not all international students are eligible for this, and it depends on factors such as your country of origin and the type of course you are studying.
- Part-Time Work: International students can work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full-time during holidays. However, if your visa has the condition of ‘no work or recourse to public funds,’ you cannot access public funds or work in certain industries.
No Work or Recourse to Public Funds UK Visa
If you are a worker in the UK, you may also come across the condition of ‘no work or recourse to public funds.’ This condition means that you cannot access any form of government assistance, including housing benefits, job seekers’ allowance, and child tax credits.
However, you may be eligible for other public funds, such as:
- Statutory Sick Pay (SSP): If you are employed in the UK and you are unable to work due to illness or injury, you may be entitled to SSP. This is a form of financial assistance provided by your employer.
- Maternity Pay: If you are pregnant and employed in the UK, you may be eligible for maternity pay. This is a form of financial assistance provided by your employer.
- Universal Credit: If you are on a low income, you may be eligible for Universal Credit. However, if your visa has the condition of ‘no work or recourse to public funds,’ you cannot access Universal Credit.
International Student Benefits UK
International students in the UK are entitled to certain benefits that can help with the cost of living while studying. These include:
- Student Finance: International students who have been living in the UK for more than five years may be eligible for student finance. This includes loans for tuition fees and living costs, which need to be paid back after completing your studies.
- NHS Healthcare: International students can access NHS healthcare in the UK for free, including GP appointments and hospital treatment.
- Part-Time Work: International students can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during term time and full-time during holidays. This can help with the cost of living while studying.
- Scholarships: There are various scholarships available to international students, which can help with the cost of tuition fees and living expenses. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and other criteria.
- Accommodation: Many universities offer international students accommodation, which can be cheaper than private rentals. Additionally, some universities offer scholarships for accommodation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are various public funds available to students and workers in the UK, even if you have no recourse to public funds due to your visa status. Make sure to research what you may be eligible for and take advantage of any support available to you.
