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<p>Eligibility for Universal Credit depends on a person’s immigration status in the
UK. DWP operates a Habitual Residence Test in order to assess whether individuals
have a legal right to reside for the purpose of accessing benefits and are factually
habitually resident.</p><p> </p><p>Since 1<sup>st</sup> March 2019 to January 2020
there have been 27,600 UC Full Service claims closed due to failing the HRT from EEA
nationals. Nearly 200,000 EEA nationals were successful in gaining access to Universal
Credit during this period, showing the vast majority were accepted. It is normal on
UC for some claims to be closed prior to first payment, this can be due to a number
of reasons including claimants withdrawing their claim and some claims not being eligible.</p><p>
</p><p> </p><p>The Home Office’s EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) allows EEA citizens to
apply for settled status (typically on the basis of five years’ residence in the UK)
and confirm their right to reside in the UK. The Habitual Residence Test recognises
leave granted under the EU Settlement Scheme. EEA citizens with settled status who
demonstrate habitual residence in the UK will pass the Habitual Residence Test (HRT)
and be eligible to access tax-payer funded benefits, such as Universal Credit (UC).</p><p>
</p><p>The Department does not hold information on the number of EU nationals with
settled status who have been refused UC.</p>
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