EU Settlement Scheme 25th April 2019

What is the EU Settlement Scheme? New immigration status for EEA nationals post Brexit Regardless of whether the UK leaves the EU with or without a deal, EEA citizens will have to apply It opened up to public on 30 March 2019 and EEA nationals will have until at least 31 December 2020 to apply It’s free EEA nationals will be given either pre-settled status (less than 5 years, with some exceptions) or settled status (5 years or more) The rights will be different depending on which status people get

Who has to apply? Term EEA national EEA family member Definition A person from a member state of the European Economic Area A person from outside the EEA who relies on an EEA national for their rights Example A Spanish person who is working in the UK A Sudanese female who came to join her Dutch husband in the UK

Who doesn’t but can? Irish nationals EEA nationals with indefinite leave to remain/enter – mainly applicable to those who came to the UK before 1 January 1973 Benefits of applying (subject to Parliament’s approval): up to 5 years outside the UK without losing settled status (instead of 2 years) and more generous family reunion rights

Scenario 1: Vasile 51 year old worker from Romania, has been working full-time in the UK for over 10 years, currently unemployed Classed as ‘exercising the treaty rights’ so eligible for services (such as benefits and homelessness assistance) already When applies for EUSS, he’ll be granted settled status (indefinite leave to remain) No need for him to rush in applying, as the new status won’t give him any additional rights

Scenario 2: Andrea 30 year old Spanish housewife, married to a UK national, arrived in 2017 If doesn’t have CSI (comprehensive sickness insurance), she is classed as not ‘exercising treaty rights’ so ineligible for some services/benefits When applies for EUSS, she will be granted pre-settled status and her eligibility for services remains the same She has to apply for settled status when she can prove 5 years continuous residency (in 2022) and only then she will get full access to services

Scenario 3: Fatima 24 year old Sudanese national, came to the UK in 2014 to join Dutch husband Husband worked on and off since 2013 but became ill and is no longer able to support family; he might or might not be classed as ‘exercising treaty rights’ so might not be eligible for benefits When Fatima applies for EUSS, she is likely to be granted settled status as she has been in the UK for 5 years and get full access to service benefits It is in her interest to apply sooner rather than later as this new status gives her additional rights

Application process Application is fully digital, paper version for very specific groups only The application has two stages – ID check (on android with NFC or ID check provided by LA if has a chip, otherwise it needs to be sent to the HO by post) and application (online)

Application process Three checks – ID (either passport or national ID card), length of residence (done through automatic NINo checks or additional evidence, such as payslips, bank statements, utility bills etc.), criminality (declaration) No physical proof of status, status can only be accessed online, though applicants will get a decision letter

Information available on Gov.uk Overview of the scheme Detailed information – eligibility and process Guidance in all EU languages Video explaining how to use an app with subtitles in different languages List of alternative evidence Toolkits for local authorities and community leaders EU resolution Centre – 0300 123 7379 

Support available locally ID document scanner locations – in our region currently available in Calderdale, Hull and York only Digital Assisted Services, provided through We are Digital, for people with no IT skills – book appointment on 03333 445 675 Citizen Advice or other organisations with OISC regulated advisers (including new EUSS specific Level 1 accreditation), not many in the region! Some funding for third sector to support vulnerable EU nationals – successful bids are to be announced imminently

Why does it matter for CO? To provide better support i.e. some clients will get access to benefits after being granted settled status To know where to signpost people to for further information and support To support clients with proving their residence in the UK by issuing letters confirming they have been on the project To plan ahead – increasing clients’ IT skills /English vocabulary in preparation for the application To provide access to digital equipment to facilitate applications