Ada has Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). She lives in the UK with …………

Client Profile: Ada has Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). She lives in the UK with her ex-partner and two children. Although divorced, they are house sharing and jointly privately renting their two-bedroom house. Ada works and receives a small amount of Universal Credit and Child Benefit. Both of her children have disabilities and are receiving psychological support. One of the children has been assessed as disabled by their doctor but could not apply for DLA as they were not able to prove their immigration status in the UK.

Reason client needs advice: Ada initially attended the drop-in session at the Food Bank to get advice about the children’s entitlement to DLA and how to maximise their income. She was referred to the Warm Start Caseworker, who offered a face-to-face appointment and supported Ada with her circumstances until they were resolved. After further exploration, they established Ada needed to:

• Regularise their children’s immigration status under the EUSS, as they did not realize that the status was personal (she had her own EUSS status approved previously). Moreover, this lack of status was preventing them from applying for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for one of the children. Lack of immigration status could also lead to benefit overpayments, as entitlement depends on having a valid eligibility basis — in this case, an immigration status without a "No Recourse to Public Funds" (NRPF) restriction.

• Receive guidance on reducing energy consumption and managing household expenses.

What we have done to help the client:

EUSS Advice and Support:

During the appointment, the adviser contacted the EU Settlement Scheme Resolution Centre to verify whether Settled Status applications had been made for the Ada’s children. Home Office adviser confirmed that an application had been submitted in the summer of 2022 but had been refused due to missing documentation. As both children are minors, the Home Office confirmed a new late application could still be submitted and would pass the screening process.

As late EUSS applications fall under OISC Level 2, we then:

• Supported her in compiling all necessary documentation for both children (including birth certificates, passports, and the mother’s UAN).

• Provided a PDF file with the full evidence pack.

• Advised Ada to request school attendance letters from schools to further evidence continuous UK residence for over 6 years,

• Referred her to Settled, a Level 2-authorised charity, for application submission.

• Explained the impact of Settled Status on benefit eligibility and travel (e.g. post-April 2025 visa/ETA requirements).

Income Maximisation and Energy Advice:

We assessed Ada’s household’s energy use and income situation. In response, we:

• Identified missed entitlements once the children’s status is resolved, including Child Element uplifts in UC and potential DLA awards.

• Shared links and guidance on reducing electricity usage, including the Citizens Advice appliance cost calculator.

• Provided advice on home heating efficiency and referred to small-scale energy-saving measures.

• Promoted access to the local School Uniform Exchange, helping the family access clothing for both children at reduced cost.

DLA Application Guidance:

• Provided an overview of eligibility criteria for DLA for children, including higher care and mobility components.

• Advised on calling the DLA Helpline to request a paper form.

• Agreed to follow up with tailored written guidance on how to complete the application.

Outcome:

Ada now has a clear understanding of their children’s immigration status, and the steps needed to submit valid late Settled Status applications.

• She was successfully referred to Settled for Level 2 submission, with complete evidence packs prepared.

• As a result of this support, and a positive outcome to the late application to EUSS, Ada has been able to apply for DLA and achieved entitlement.

• Ada is now aware of energy-saving tips and local resources.

• Overall, the support provided is expected to result in an estimated financial impact of over £44,000 across confirmed and potential benefit entitlements, debt savings, and cost reduction strategies.

Outcome Description

• Cost of EUSS late applications (2 children): £1,150.00 each

• Universal Credit Child Element (child 1) - risk of overpayment from 2021 to status received: £12,802.47

• Total outcomes: £15,102.47

NOTE:  * All client stories have had certain details changed or omitted to preserve the clients’ anonymity.