UK Permanent Status: Rights and Public Funds Access

In: Permanent Status Uk

TL;DR

What ILR and Settled Status give the holder: right to work, right to access public funds, NHS access, voting eligibility (limited), and the rights that distinguish permanent status from temporary visas.

Key facts

ILR removes the 'no recourse to public funds' condition that applies on most temporary visas.
ILR holders can access Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, and other means-tested support if otherwise eligible.
NHS access is free at the point of use for residents regardless of immigration status.
ILR holders can vote in local elections and (depending on nationality) some other UK elections.
Settled Status confers broadly equivalent rights for EU citizens and family members under the EU Settlement Scheme.
ILR is typically recorded on the biometric residence permit (BRP); the eVisa system is replacing the BRP from 2024.
ILR holders can access most UK public services on the same terms as citizens, with some exceptions (such as standing for Parliament).
The Electoral Commission publishes current eligibility for voting in different UK elections.
Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme is recorded digitally rather than on a physical document.
eVisa share codes are time-limited (typically 30 days) and provided to third parties for verification.
Right-to-work checks via share code provide the same legal protection as physical document checks.

UK permanent status confers a defined set of rights that distinguish it from temporary visas. The most significant practical change for many holders is the removal of the no-recourse-to-public-funds restriction, which opens access to means-tested support if needed.

Right to work and study

ILR holders can take any employment in the UK, including self-employment and starting a business, without further immigration permission. Most professional registration bodies treat ILR holders the same as UK citizens for the purposes of practice.

Public funds access

The 'no recourse to public funds' condition is removed on grant of ILR. Holders can apply for Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Child Benefit (if not already entitled), Council Tax Reduction, and other means-tested support subject to the standard eligibility for each.

Healthcare

NHS care is free at the point of use for residents. The Immigration Health Surcharge does not apply once permanent status is held. Prescription charges and dental charges in England apply per the standard rules, with exemptions for specific groups.

Voting eligibility

Voting eligibility depends on nationality alongside permanent status. Irish, Commonwealth, and some other nationals can vote in UK general elections if resident. EU citizens with Settled Status can vote in some local elections under transitional or treaty arrangements. The Electoral Commission publishes the current eligibility rules.

Differences from citizenship

Permanent status does not confer the right to a British passport or to vote in general elections (except for certain nationalities). British citizenship is the step that adds these rights. The choice to naturalise is discussed in the citizenship hub.

Right to work, study, and self-employment

For employment, the employer needs to verify the right to work. ILR is documented on the BRP (or eVisa) and the GOV.UK 'check your right to work' service can provide a share code for employer verification.

For self-employment, ILR holders can register with HMRC for self-assessment on the same basis as British citizens. National Insurance contributions apply on the same basis.

For starting a limited company, ILR holders can be directors and shareholders without immigration restriction. Companies House registers directors regardless of nationality; the ILR holder's UK address can be used for registration purposes.

Studying at UK universities is on the same basis as British citizens for tuition fee purposes (typically the 'home' rate). Student finance for tuition and maintenance is available subject to the standard eligibility (typically 3-year UK residence before the start of the course).

Public funds access in detail

The 'no recourse to public funds' condition is removed on grant of ILR. ILR holders can apply for: Universal Credit; Housing Benefit; Council Tax Reduction; Child Benefit; Tax-Free Childcare; 30 Hours Free Childcare; and other means-tested support subject to the standard eligibility for each.

Universal Credit eligibility requires the claimant to have right to reside; ILR provides this. The 'habitual residence test' typically applies; ILR holders who have been in the UK for some time typically meet this immediately.

For benefits with contribution-based components (such as contribution-based JSA or ESA), the contribution record matters. ILR holders accumulate contributions through UK employment; the period of qualifying contributions determines eligibility.

Some specific benefits have additional eligibility requirements. Child Benefit eligibility is broad (any UK resident parent of an eligible child); other benefits may have specific tests.

For ILR holders with overseas dependants, specific benefits may not be claimable for those dependants because they are not in the UK. Child Benefit is paid for children in the UK; specific arrangements apply for children who move abroad temporarily.

Healthcare access in detail

NHS care is free at the point of use for residents regardless of immigration status. The Immigration Health Surcharge does not apply once permanent status is held; the IHS is for temporary visa holders.

Prescription charges and dental charges in England apply per the standard rules. Free prescriptions are available to certain groups (under 16, over 60, pregnant women, those on certain benefits); the criteria are independent of citizenship.

NHS dentistry is available to all UK residents but the availability of NHS dental places varies by area; many areas have limited NHS dental capacity. Private dental treatment is available regardless of immigration status.

Mental health services and specialist NHS treatment are available on the same basis as for British citizens. Waiting lists and access vary by area and specialty.

For ILR holders travelling abroad, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) was replaced post-Brexit by the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for travel to EU countries. The GHIC is available to UK residents regardless of citizenship.

Voting eligibility for ILR holders

Voting eligibility depends on nationality alongside permanent status. ILR holders' voting rights are not automatic; they depend on the original nationality.

Irish citizens with ILR can vote in UK general elections, devolved Parliament elections, and local elections. Commonwealth citizens with ILR can vote in UK general elections, devolved Parliament elections, and local elections.

EU citizens with Settled Status can vote in some local elections under transitional or treaty arrangements; rules vary by country and election type. The Electoral Commission publishes current eligibility.

ILR holders from other nationalities (not Irish, not Commonwealth, not EU) typically cannot vote in UK elections without naturalising. The constraint is nationality, not immigration status.

To vote, eligible individuals must register on the electoral roll. Registration is open year-round via GOV.UK or by post; the registration deadline before any specific election determines whether the elector can vote in that election.

Family sponsorship and immigration

ILR holders meeting financial and other criteria can sponsor partner and dependant visa applications. The financial requirement is currently GBP 29,000 (April 2024, rising to GBP 38,700 from April 2025).

The partner visa pathway typically requires the sponsor (the ILR holder) to be financially able to support the applicant without public funds. The income test can be met through employment income, self-employment, savings, or combinations.

Children of ILR holders can typically be granted entry clearance as dependants if they meet the standard requirements. The sponsor's status as ILR holder qualifies them as a sponsor for family route purposes.

Sponsorship through ILR is broader than under most visa categories because ILR removes the restrictions that apply to some temporary visas (such as Skilled Worker dependant routes).

For ILR holders' family members already in the UK, the family member's own immigration status determines their position. Family members of ILR holders may be on their own visas; the ILR holder's status does not automatically change the family member's status.

The eVisa share code system is the practical method for ILR/Settled Status holders to prove their immigration status to third parties. The holder generates a share code from the GOV.UK 'View and prove your immigration status' service; the code is time-limited (typically 30 days) and is provided to the verifying party (employer, landlord, bank, etc.).

The verifying party enters the share code on the GOV.UK service; the verification confirms the holder's immigration status including the right to work or right to rent. The verification record can be saved by the verifying party as evidence of having checked.

For employers conducting right-to-work checks, the share code provides the same legal protection as physical document checks. The employer's compliance with the check requirements protects against civil penalty for employing someone without the right to work.

The practical takeaway: register for eVisa promptly after ILR or Settled Status grant; understand how to generate and use share codes; provide share codes to employers, landlords, and other verifying parties as needed.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information based on rules and figures published by UK government and regulator sources as of May 2026. It is not personal financial, legal, immigration or tax advice. Rules, fees and figures change and individual circumstances vary. Readers should check primary sources or consult a qualified, regulated adviser before acting on any information here.

Frequently asked questions

Can ILR be transferred to a new passport?

Yes. A No Time Limit (NTL) application can transfer ILR onto a new biometric residence permit aligned with a new passport. The NTL application costs around GBP 161 (April 2024) and confirms the existing ILR. The eVisa system is replacing BRPs from 2024; ILR holders can register for an eVisa via the GOV.UK eVisa service.

Does ILR allow sponsorship of family visas?

Yes. ILR holders meeting financial and other criteria can sponsor partner and dependant visa applications. The financial requirement is currently GBP 29,000 (April 2024, rising to GBP 38,700 from April 2025). The income evidence requirements are detailed; using a specialist immigration solicitor for the application is common for complex cases.

Can ILR holders run for elected office?

Local election candidacy varies by nationality and residence. UK Parliament seats are restricted to citizens of qualifying nationalities (British, Irish, and qualifying Commonwealth citizens). For most ILR holders without these citizenships, naturalisation is required for Parliament candidacy.

Does ILR affect access to state pension?

State pension eligibility is based on National Insurance contributions or credits, not immigration status. ILR holders accumulate qualifying years through normal employment. The 35 qualifying years for full new State Pension can be accumulated regardless of citizenship; ILR is not required for state pension.

Does ILR allow free movement within the EU?

No. ILR is a UK status only and does not confer rights to live or work in EU countries. EU travel rules apply based on nationality; short visits typically permitted under Schengen visa-free rules (up to 90 days in 180); longer stays require EU country visas based on the individual's nationality.

Can ILR holders adopt children?

Yes. ILR holders can adopt children in the UK on the same basis as British citizens. The adoption process is regulated; ILR provides the immigration status needed for the adopted child's UK residence.

Does ILR confer the right to live in Ireland?

No. The Common Travel Area between UK and Ireland provides specific arrangements for British and Irish citizens (allowing residence in either country without immigration permission). ILR holders are not British or Irish citizens and do not have these CTA rights; they need Irish immigration permission to live in Ireland.

Disclaimer. This article is informational and not legal, financial or immigration advice. Rules and guidance change; verify with the linked primary sources before acting. Kael Tripton Ltd is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ZC135439). It is not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority and provides editorial content only.