Urgent Message from Brushstrokes

We are aware that a high number of residents have not applied for either Pre Settled or Settled status or having secured Pre-Settled Status have not applied for Settled Status. Current rules that will come into force on 1st January 2021 mean that residents with Pre Settled Status will no longer be entitled to Universal Credit, Child Benefit, Income Support and a number of other benefits.

We would like you to go through your client records to identify people who may be EU nationals and contact them by phone to encourage them to submit their applications as soon as possible (and ideally before 31st December 2020).

Could you please ask them the following:

“We recently helped you with some advice and wanted to make sure that you do not miss out on an opportunity to safeguard your immigration status and possible entitlement to benefits
• Are you an EU National?
• How long have you been in the UK?
• Have you applied for Pre Settled Status
• Have you applied for Settled Status?

31st December 2020 is an important date because after that your right to claim certain benefits will be affected.

If you are happy to complete the application form on-line we can send you the link https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families/applying-for-settled-status
If you need help to apply we will send your details to Brushstrokes info@brushstrokessandwell.org.uk