Citizens Advice EUSS Project Update 2021

3rd February 2021

Despite the current restrictions, our team continues to offer support to EU & EEA Nationals making applications to the Government’s settlement scheme for new immigration status.  Our caseworkers are still supporting applicants whether by phone, email or face to face, whilst adhering to government safety guidelines.

Where we are:

By the end of 2020 more than 4 million applications were made throughout the UK. In Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole over 28,000 applications have been successfully concluded, with applicants receiving settled or pre-settled status. 

In the Dorset area there have been 6,000 applications.

However, we still remain keen to reach the more vulnerable members of our community who may not fully understand whether they are eligible, or how to make an application.

We are grateful to those who have helped by displaying our posters in the area, but recognise that due to the current lockdown they may not be as effective as we would like.  Therefore we ask for your assistance in reaching more people in the remaining months of our project.

In particular:    

• Individuals who have lived in the UK for many years, even if more than 30 years, and may not realise that they still need to apply.
• EU or EEA Nationals with children who were born in the UK.
• Those with more than one child (applications need to be made for each individual child)

We are here to help and support applicants through the process of making an application and, afterwards to ensure that they understand their new status.

• Applicants must have been resident in the UK before the end of 2020 in order to make an application.
• The EUSS application can be done online; it is free. Accepted applicants will be awarded either Settled or Pre-Settled status.
• The aim of our project is to provide practical help and support to vulnerable EU citizens who need to apply for Settled or Pre-Settled Status. Our role is to provide a range of support options for our communities in BCP and Dorset.
• Citizens Advice BCP are funded until 30th March 2021 to continue this work.

A reminder of the team’s contact details for direct referrals:

The EUSS team at Citizens Advice BCP accept referrals from any local organisation, including self referral.

Text message directly to our caseworkers number 07761092704 OR e-mail to [email protected]