Guides and answers

Simple guides on status, benefits, health, work and children’s services. If something is urgent, get advice straight away.

If you have pre-settled status, the Home Office may change it to settled status automatically. Keep your email, phone and passport details up to date.
If you get a letter or email saying your status may be removed, get free advice straight away. Do not ignore it.
You can prove your status online with a share code. If you cannot use a phone or computer, ask an advice service to help.

With settled status you can claim Universal Credit like other residents.
With pre-settled status you must show you are working, or worked recently. Keep payslips, contracts and bank statements.
If you are refused, ask for a review (mandatory reconsideration) within one month. Get advice first.

Register with a GP as soon as you arrive. It is free, and you do not need proof of address, ID or immigration status.
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, day or night. In a life-threatening emergency, call 999 or go to A&E.
You can ask for a free interpreter for your appointment. Say which language you need.
Prescriptions are free for children, people over 60, pregnant women and people on some benefits. Ask the pharmacy.

Never pay money to get a job. Real employers do not charge for jobs.
From your first day you must get your job terms in writing, and a payslip every time you are paid.
Everyone aged 21 or over must get at least the National Living Wage. Agency and cash-in-hand workers have this right too.
If someone keeps your passport or bank card, or you cannot leave, this is exploitation. You can call for help, even without giving your name.

Social workers can help families early, with housing, school, money and parenting. Asking for help does not mean you are a bad parent.
Children can only be taken into care if a court agrees, or for a short time in an emergency with the police. You have the right to a free solicitor in care proceedings.
Ask for an interpreter in your language, and for a Roma organisation to support you.

Before the meeting, ask why they want to meet and who will be there. Ask for an interpreter in your language.
You can bring a friend, relative or support worker. Write down the questions you want to ask.
Ask what the worries are, what help they can give, and what you need to do next. Ask for this in writing.
If they mention court or a child protection conference, get free legal advice straight away.

Who can help

EU Settlement Resolution Centre

0300 123 7379

Roma Support Group

07949 089778

Citizens Advice (England)

0800 144 8848

NHS 111

111

Family Rights Group advice line

0808 801 0366

Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline

08000 121 700