Questions and answers - Post Grace Period
Q1. I am a British/Irish citizen. Do I need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme?
A1. No. If you are a British or Irish citizen, you do not need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.
Q2. I have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme but have not yet been given a decision. Can I make a claim to benefits?
A2. Yes. You can make a new claim for benefit as long as the application to EUSS was made on or before 30 June 2021. You will be paid the benefit if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Q3. I have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme but have not yet been given a decision. Can I carry on getting benefits?
A3. Yes. If you are getting benefits and have already applied to the EU Settlement Scheme, your benefits will carry on being paid while you are waiting for the outcome of your application.
Q4. I have been given an immigration status by the Home Office under the EU Settlement Scheme. Do I need to tell you?
A4. You do not need to let us know. If we need more information about your immigration status, we will contact you.
Q5. I have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme and have not been given an immigration status? Am I able to get benefits?
A5. No. If you do not have an immigration status you cannot get UK benefits. If you disagree with the Home Office decision, please contact the EU Settlement Resolution Centre as soon you can on 0300 123 7379.
Q6. I have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme and have not been given an immigration status. I am now appealing the decision. Am I able to get benefits?
A6: Yes. If you are already getting benefits and your appeal to the EU Settlement Scheme is in progress, your benefits will carry on being paid while a decision is being made as long as the application to EUSS was made on or before 30 June 2021.
Q7. I have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme and have not been given an immigration status. I am now appealing the decision. Can I make a new claim for benefits?
A7. Yes. You can make a new claim for benefit as long as the application to EUSS was made on or before 30 June 2021. You will be paid the benefit if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Q8. I made an application to the EU Settlement Scheme but was not given an immigration status. I have no money. What can I do?
A8. You cannot get UK benefits or services if you do not have an immigration status.
If you think the Home Office decision about your status should be different you may be able to apply again or appeal the decision. Contact the EU Settlement Resolution Centre as soon you can on 0300 123 7379.
If this decision causes you hardship you can contact a local support organisation (e.g. Citizens advice Bureau or Welfare rights) who can provide independent help and support. You can find their details online, at your local library or in the telephone directory.
If you need help managing your money, please contact the Money Advice Service as soon as you can. They offer free independent advice about how to make the best of your money, including budgeting, savings and dealing with debt. To find out more, go to www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk
Q9. I have appealed against my EU Settlement Scheme decision and have won. I am getting multiple benefits including Housing Benefit. Do I need to tell each benefit separately?
A9. You do not need to let us know. If we need more information about your immigration status, we will contact you.
Q10. I first arrived in the UK before 1 January 1973 and I am protected by the 1971 Immigration Act and may carry on getting benefits, but I have no evidence of this from the Home Office. What should I do?
A10. If you arrived in the UK before 1 January 1973 you will need to contact the Home Office as they may be able to give you evidence. If they cannot do this, then you may need to apply for Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme. You can contact the EU Settlement Resolution Centre on 0300 123 7379. Your benefits will carry on while your application is being considered.
Q11.I have Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK. Do I need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme?
A11.If you have indefinite leave to remain then you do not need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. You may need to provide evidence of your indefinite leave. You will usually have a stamp in your passport or a letter from the Home Office saying this. If you do not have this, you will need to contact the Home Office on 0300 123 7379.
Q12. I have an immigration status, but I don’t have any evidence. what should I do?
A12. You will need to contact the Home Office and they will tell you what you can do next. You can contact the EU Settlement Resolution Centre on 0300 123 7379
Q13. I haven’t applied to the EU Settlement Scheme yet. Is it too late?
A13: No. The deadline to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme was 30 June, but you may still be able to make a late application. You must apply straight away. To apply for the EU Settlement Scheme please visit gov.uk/eusettlementscheme or call 0300 123 7379.
Family members living in the UK who are non-EEA nationals may also be able to make a late application to the EU Settlement Scheme. They should apply even if they have a Biometric Residence Card (BRC).
Q14. I am already getting benefits and haven’t applied to the EU Settlement Scheme/Home Office. Do I still need to apply?
A14. Yes. If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national and are getting benefits but have not applied to the EU Settlement Scheme, you must make a late application straight away. You will need to have an immigration status from the Home Office to carry on getting UK benefits and other public services. To apply for the EU Settlement Scheme please visit gov.uk/eusettlementscheme or call 0300 123 7379.
