Great Britain

The definition of Great Britain is England, Scotland and Wales. United Kingdom (UK) means Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

In the benefits section for migrants, Great Britain is referred to in some sheets rather than UK because the rules of entitlement vary for some benefits. In Northern Ireland (Social Security Agency (link opens in a new window)) and the Isle of Man (Department of Health and Social Security (link opens in a new window)) social security comes under separate, but very similar, legislation to the UK and periods of residence in these countries generally count for UK benefits. If you are a migrant living in Northern Ireland or the Isle of Man, you need to check the rules with a local benefits organisation or adviser. You can find one using our Find an Adviser tool.