European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
21st March 2021
The UK has left the EU. What does this mean for Early Years Settings & Schools and families they work with ?
Newcastle City Council wants to make sure everyone is aware of how to apply to the European Union Settlement Scheme, how to get help and importantly to highlight even young children born in the UK may need to apply. The council’s website gives advice on EUSS and where to go for free advice.
There is no need to worry, but time is running out and families should act now. Brexit sees EU national and citizens of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, who were resident in the UK on or before 31 December 2020 and want to stay here after 30 June, 2021, needing to apply for a new immigration status. Irish nationals do not have to apply, but can and are doing so. All applications to EUSS must be made by 30 June, 2021. People arriving in the UK after 1 January, 2021 now have to apply to a new points-based immigration system.
Families need to be aware that children are as much in scope of EUSS as adults, even if born here. Anyone who needs to apply and has not done so by 30 June, 2021 will be in the UK illegally, but the good news is families can be signposted to support. Support is Home Office accredited free and support organisations are taking referrals now. Remember :
· that parents need to apply for each of their children individually - children are not covered by their parent’s status
· families receiving Universal Credit are at risk if they do not apply and tell DWP that they have settled status as their benefits will stop and their rent will no longer be paid
Your Homes Newcastle (YHN) is a key partner in delivering the service and can:
· Provide information and details on how to apply
· Help You and your families submit an application to the Home Office
· Advise you and families on the benefits of applying and explain what could happen if people do not apply
· Provide aftercare advising on what people should do who are awarded status or not
The YHN EUSS team is happy to receive contacts from you, preferably by email, given COVID working, on euss@yhn.org.uk or by phone (08h30 – 16h30, Monday to Friday) 0191 277 1190.