I'm a care worker - and this is why we need to end No Recourse to Public Funds

Hanna is a care worker living in South London with her son. She currently has no recourse to public funds (NRPF), which means she can’t access much-needed government support like Universal Credit or housing benefit. Life has been a lot harder in lockdown. She writes here about how NRPF has affected her during the Covid-19 crisis and how she’s encouraged by Boris Johnson’s recent comments on protecting migrants.

When lockdown started, I wasn’t able to work. I’m a care worker, but also look after my asthmatic young son and we are having to live in temporary accommodation. Families living with us were worried about me bringing Covid-19 back and I needed to care for my son.

I’m back at work now, but am on a zero hours contract. I’ve had to use up all of my savings to care for myself and my son in this crisis, and don’t know when I’ll be called into work again.

It hasn’t been easy and because I have no recourse to public funds, I have had no support.

“I would definitely tell [Prime Minister Boris Johnson] that I agree that everyone deserves support...I wouldn’t want anyone left behind in this crisis.”

I was really pleased to hear Prime Minister Boris Johnson concerned about migrants who have No Recourse to Public Funds. If I had the chance to speak to him, I would definitely say that I agree that everyone deserves support at this time. I wouldn’t want anyone left behind in this crisis.

It has been hard for me and my son, even before this pandemic, and I don’t want anybody to be left out. Everyone deserves support - now more than ever.

Want to to help ?

Sign up to hear more about our campaigns to end NRPF and how you can get involved. Read more about our campaigns on homelessness and Free School meals for people on NRPF here Call your local MP and let them know you want support for migrants who have no recourse to public funds now! Click here to find your MP

Over the next couple of weeks, more migrant leaders who are campaigning for change in communities across the country will be sharing their stories. Follow us on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram to keep updated.