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<p>The UK has decided, as a matter of domestic policy, that the main requirement for
eligibility under the EU Settlement Scheme will be continuous residence in the UK.</p><p>We
will accept a wide range of documentation as proof of residence. Where possible, the
application process will help the applicant to establish their continuous residence
and whether it amounts to five years, on an automated basis using data held by HM
Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and in due course also the Department for Work and Pensions
(DWP). The latter may include data on receipt of state retirement pension.</p><p>Being
in receipt of a state retirement pension may help the applicant to prove their residency,
but receipt of public funds in any form will not affect the applicant’s eligibility
for the EU Settlement Scheme.</p><p>The requirement for five years’ continuous residence
can be satisfied by any such period of time during an applicant’s life in the UK rather
than the most recent five years, provided it began before 31 December 2020. However,
the applicant must not have been absent from the UK for more than five continuous
years since that period ended.</p><p>EU citizens and their family members who obtain
settled status will be granted indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK. This status
will provide the holder with the same access to benefits, education and healthcare
as those who acquire permanent residence under EU law.</p>
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