Settled Status Scheme and benefits
The Settled Status scheme is a new scheme to protect the rights of EEA nationals who are living in the UK.
Because the UK is leaving the EU, the rules about EEA nationals' right to reside won't apply anymore, and the Settled Status scheme's rules will apply instead.
People with Irish citizenship don't need to apply for settled status.
The Settled Status scheme can give two different statuses
- Settled Status - this is for people who can show they have been living in the UK for 5 years. Settled status gives full right to reside, so you don't need to evidence right to reside under any other status to be entitled to benefits
- Pre-Settled Status - this is for people who can show they have been living in the UK for less than 5 years. Pre-settled status doesn't in itself give entitlement to benefits, so you will also need to show you have a right to reside to be able to claim benefits.
It is free to apply for the Settled Status scheme.
The gov.uk website has more information about how to apply for the settled status scheme.