Settled Status Scheme and benefits
The Settled Status Scheme is a new scheme to protect the rights of European Economic Area (EEA) nationals who are living in the UK.
Because the UK has left the European Union (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 five 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. If your only right to reside is pre-settled status, you should make a claim for benefits. However, you might find that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) does not pay you benefits right away. This is because there is a court case going on to decide whether people with pre-settled status are eligible to claim benefits. If the DWP says your only right to reside is pre-settled status but you think you meet the criteria for another right to reside, you should speak to an adviser.
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..