Accessing benefits in the UK

Claiming benefits as someone arriving in the UK depends largely on your immigration status. The rules are complex, particularly when managing a long-term condition like a bleeding disorder. The following information has been updated for 2026.

Eligibility and Immigration Status

Your right to claim benefits is determined by your status. Generally, benefits are available to those with:

• British or Irish citizenship.
• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE).
• Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
• Refugee Status or Humanitarian Protection.
• Pre-settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme (though you must usually meet additional “right to reside” conditions, such as working).
• Specific Humanitarian Visas (e.g., specific schemes for those from Ukraine).

No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)

If your visa says “No Recourse to Public Funds,” you cannot claim most benefits. Claiming them by mistake could jeopardise your future right to stay in the UK. Always check your visa or BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) carefully.

The Habitual Residence Test

Even if your immigration status allows you to claim, you must usually pass the Habitual Residence Test. This proves that the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man is currently your main home and you intend to stay.

To help pass this test, it is useful to show “ties” to the UK, such as:

• Being registered with a General Practitioner (GP).
• Having a UK bank account or a rental agreement.
• Opening a claim as soon as you arrive to establish your intent to stay.

Disability and Sickness Benefits

If you have a bleeding disorder, you may be eligible for benefits specifically designed to help with the extra costs of a long-term condition.

The “Past Presence Test”

To get this benefit, you usually need to show that you have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years. If you have just arrived in the country, you might have to wait until you have been here long enough to meet this requirement.

Benefits you might be able to claim:

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP): For those aged 16 to State Pension age. It is not based on your condition itself but on how it affects your daily life. Note: To qualify, you must usually have been in the UK for at least 2 out of the last 3 years (the “past presence test”).
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for Children: For children under 16. In Scotland, this is replaced by the Child Disability Payment. Similar “past presence” rules apply, though they are shorter for babies.
• Universal Credit (UC): This is the main benefit for those on a low income or who are out of work. If your condition prevents you from working, you may receive an extra amount after a medical assessment.

Factors Affecting Your Claim

• Work Status: Some benefits depend on whether you have worked and paid National Insurance in the UK (Contributory Benefits), while others are “means-tested” based on your savings and income.
• Savings Limit: For Universal Credit, you are usually ineligible if you and your partner have more than £16,000 in savings.

Websites used for this information:

• GOV.UK: Check if you can get PIP
• GOV.UK: Universal Credit and Immigration
• Social Security Scotland: Adult Disability Payment
• NHS: Moving to England
• Citizens Advice: Benefits for people recently moved to the UK

Disclosure: This information is provided for general guidance by GOV.UK and is subject to change without notice. The Haemophilia Society cannot help with benefit applications. We recommend speaking to your haemophilia centre nursing team or your local Citizens Advice for support with forms.