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European Union (EU) Settled Status Scheme - I have EU pre-settled status. What does this mean for my benefit entitlement?

The EU Settled Status scheme is the scheme to protect EEA citizens' rights in the UK now the UK has left the European Union.

Last reviewed 19 June 2023

I have EU pre-settled status. What does this mean for my benefit entitlement?

If you have pre-settled status, you have access to many benefits. However, if the benefit you want to claim requires you to have a right to reside (for example Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Child Benefit) then you will need to show that you have a free movement right to reside. For details of these rights and a possible argument if you cannot work and cannot meet your basic needs see our guide to the Right to reside test.

You can access other benefits that do not require a right to reside, provided you satisfy the conditions for those benefits, including the presence and residence tests

Having pre-settled status means you are not defined as a ‘person subject to immigration control’ and so you are not excluded from any benefits for that reason. 

You can access contributory benefits - like New Style Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) and New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - if you have paid enough National Insurance contributions

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