British citizens of Chagossian descent arriving in the UK: information pack
Published 29 August 2023
The UK government launched a new route to British citizenship for people of Chagossian descent in November 2022. This followed previous legislation which conferred British citizenship on those born on the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) / Chagos Archipelago and their children.
This information pack is for British citizens of Chagossian descent arriving in the UK.
As an introduction to life in the UK, this guide contains information on how to navigate everyday life, and links to several resources to help you take advantage of the opportunities available in UK. We have also published a pre-departure information pack, which contains information about travel and finding work and accommodation, which you should consider ahead of any potential move to the UK.
Although more detailed information about specific services or regions may be available through your local council or community support groups, it is hoped that the resources in this pack will be a useful starting point. The content reflects the latest information at the point of publication. It will be kept under review, and an updated version may be produced to reflect new information.
The content of this pack is designed to ensure you have the information needed for you to establish life in the UK. In some sections advice is specific to England. If you are based in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland there will be weblinks for where you can find information that is relevant for those nations.
Find general information for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
1. Your status
As a British citizen living in the UK, you will have the same rights and responsibilities as any other British citizen. You can live and work in the UK free of any immigration controls and will be entitled to certain types of support from the British state, and to free primary and secondary education for children.
Healthcare in England is free at the point of use, for someone who is ordinarily resident. Accident and emergency treatment and GP appointments are free to all. For certain types of treatment, you may be asked to provide proof that you are living in the UK on a lawful settled basis to receive certain types of healthcare for free. Devolved Administrations have their own rules when it comes to accessing healthcare.
Access to some support is based on length of residency in the UK. You may therefore be unable to access some forms of support until you have lived in the UK for a certain period of time.
Non-British citizens moving to the UK will not necessarily enjoy the same rights or be able to access the same level of support.
2. Opening a bank account
There are a variety of banks, and you can choose one that suits you and your family best. There are also online-only providers which you can use.
To open a bank account, you will usually need to show a form of identification such as your passport or a driver’s licence or a recognised identity card as well as proof of your address, such as your tenancy agreement or a gas, electric or phone bill.
You should ask about any charges when you open a bank account, however once the process is complete, it is usual that a debit card will be issued. Many cards are contactless - some shops will only accept contactless payment as will some transport providers, for example in London. You can also arrange for bills to be paid directly from your account using ‘direct debit’ - ask your bank about this.
You may have been assisted in opening a bank account by your council, if not see further information on how to open a bank account
3. Claiming benefits and getting a National Insurance number
National Insurance Number
National Insurance (NI) number is used to make sure your National Insurance contributions and tax are recorded against your name only. This is a code with letters and numbers and never changes.
If you do not have a National Insurance number, you can find information on how to get one.
You should apply for a National Insurance number straight away because this will make it easier for you to claim benefits quickly and pay the right taxes on money you earn by working. You can start work in the UK without a National Insurance number, as long as you can prove that you have the right to work in the UK.
Access to benefits
The UK has a welfare system which is designed to help those who face financial hardship, or who have specific needs. Your local Job Centre Plus (in Great Britain) or Jobs and Benefits Office (in Northern Ireland) will be able to help you find out which benefits you may be able to access. This may include:
- Universal Credit – a payment to help with your living costs if you are of working age and on a low income. You could be working (including self-employed or part time) or be out of work;
- Pension Credit - extra money to help with your living costs if you are over the age of 66 and on a low income. You can apply online, via telephone or by post
- Disability benefits – extra money to help with additional costs if you have a long term physical or mental health condition or disability
- Carer’s Allowance – extra money if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week.
- Child Benefit – extra money to help with the cost of raising a child.
Some benefits have residence requirements, meaning you can only access them when you have been living in the UK for a set amount of time. You may therefore be unable to access some benefits when you first arrive in the UK.
See a link to the different types of benefits you could receive.
Find advice if you are in Scotland.
Find advice if you are in Northern Ireland.
If you are in England, Scotland or Wales you can [find your local Job Centre Plus] (https://find-your-nearest-jobcentre.dwp.gov.uk/search.php).
If you are in Northern Ireland you can find your local Jobs and Benefits Office
Applying for Universal Credit online
You can apply for Universal Credit in England, Scotland and Wales. You can apply for [Universal Credit in Northern Ireland] (https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/universal-credit).
You will need to create an account to make a claim. If you do not complete your application for Universal Credit within 28 days of creating your account you will have to start your application again. To apply online you’ll need an email address and access to a mobile phone.
You will also have to prove your identity. To do this you will need some identity documents, for example your
- Passport, debit or credit card
- Citizenship documents
There are two ways to get help with your Universal Credit claim. You can either call the Universal Credit helpline or use the Help to Claim service. Calls to the Universal Credit helpline are free - Telephone: 0800 328 5644
You can find more information about applying for Universal Credit
You can get free support from trained advisers to make a Universal Credit claim. They can help you with things like online applications or preparing for your first jobcentre appointment.
The Help to Claim service is provided by Citizens Advice and is confidential. They will not share your personal information unless you agree.
Applying for Child Benefit
You can get Child Benefit if you’re responsible for bringing up a child who is:
- under 16
- under 20 if they stay in approved education or training
Only one person can get Child Benefit for a child. There’s no limit to how many children you can claim for.
You will be eligible to claim Child Benefit as soon as you arrive in the country. In order to make a claim, you will need to download, print and send your completed form to HMRC.
Contact the Child Benefit Office if you’re unsure about your eligibility or need further information.
Applying for Pension Credit
You can apply for Pension Credit online, over the phone or by post.
You will need the following when you apply for Pension Credit:
- National Insurance number
- information about any income, savings and investments you have
- your bank account details
You can find more information on [Pension Credit and how to apply] (https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit).
4. Accessing essential public services
Your local council
A local authority (also called a ‘council’ e.g. Sheffield City Council) is the local governing body of a particular area of the UK and is responsible for local public services and facilities. The link here can help you find your local council: https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council
Your council will provide you with a package of advice and assistance covering employment, benefits, housing, health, and education. They will help you to:
- Register with your local general practitioner (GP) surgery who provides medical advice and a wide range of health services.
- Register with your local Jobcentre Plus, who will be able to provide you with a National Insurance Number and help you find employment in the UK.
- Obtain school places for the school aged children you may have with you in the UK.
- Provide advice and referrals to specialist public health services. These services support you if you have specific needs e.g., mental health services, adult social care, and children’s services.
- Support you should you become homeless.
- Support you to integrate into your local communities.
Registering with a doctor - a General Practitioner (GP)
Important: If you were getting treatment for a condition that you need more treatment for, it is important that you register with a doctor as soon as you can, to make sure your condition is managed safely.
A doctor (also known as a GP or General Practitioner), is the type of doctor you will see for general health problems.
We recommend that you and your family, including any minors, register with a GP as soon as possible after you arrive.
An appointment with an NHS (National Health Service) GP is free.
GP surgeries are the first place you can contact if you have a mental or physical health problem. They can treat many illnesses, give health advice, and prescribe medicine. They can also refer you to other NHS services.
Find your nearest GP service and more information.
You can find out how to register with a GP surgery in Scotland
Accessing medication
The GP surgery will be able to advise you about where you should go to collect your medicine. You can also find information about the location of local pharmacies online. As well as providing you with any prescribed medication, a pharmacist can also give you free advice on treating minor health problems, such as colds and coughs.
Individuals with certain medical conditions, pregnant women and women who have had a baby in the last 12 months can get free NHS prescriptions with a valid medical exemption certificate or maternity exemption certificate. You must complete a form to apply for these. Speak to your GP to see if you are eligible.
Maternity care and services
You will be offered free care when you are pregnant and after you give birth. This is likely to be arranged through your GP. You should contact a GP as soon as you find out you’re pregnant.
You are also entitled to support from a health visitor. A health visitor is a qualified nurse or midwife who has had extra training. They’re there to help you, your family and children up to the age of 5 years old to stay healthy.
You can find information on all you need to know about pregnancy, labour, birth and NHS maternity services.
If you are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, you are entitled to free NHS prescriptions if you have a valid maternity exemption certificate. Show your certificate as proof that you’re entitled. Find more information.
Mental health services
Mental health problems range from the worries we all experience as part of everyday life to serious long-term conditions. Advice is available on the NHS website to support you on your way to feeling better. To find support in your local area, you can also use the Hub of Hope.
There are Mental Health Services available throughout the country that can help you if you are struggling.
If you, or someone you love, needs help this can be arranged through making an appointment with your GP. The GP can help you understand how to manage your mental health, and signpost you to support if needed.
If you are struggling but do not want to talk to a GP, you can also self-refer to Talking Therapies (as long as you are registered with a GP) – please visit NHS.uk/talk.
There are a wide range of support organisations that offer helplines where you can talk in confidence to a trained advisor. These include:
- Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 t or text Shout on 85258 to talk to a trained volunteer
- British Red Cross offers help in more than 200 languages call: 0808 196 3651 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm or until 8pm on Wednesday)
- Mind offers help in 170 languages call 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm)
- Mental health organisations
- Northern Ireland - www.mindingyourhead.info/services (Lifeline is also available or 0808 808 8000 - (Textphone: 18001 0808 808 8000)
- Scotland - https://www.supportinmindscotland.org.uk/
- Wales - https://www.mind.org.uk/about-us/mind-cymru/
- England - https://www.mind.org.uk/
Further information on these and other support organisations and helpline services is available at www.nhs.uk/mental-health/ for England or www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health/ if you are in Scotland.
If someone’s life is at risk, or you do not feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe call 999.
Dentistry/dental care and services
You are entitled to NHS dental care to help keep your mouth, teeth and gums free of pain. If your tooth is painful you should call NHS 111 for Urgent Dental Care Services.
You can search for local dentists and ask to register for an appointment. Search for a dentist and find a breakdown of costs here.
Scotland provides free dental checks. You can find a dentist near you.
Eye care
You can make an appointment with any high street optician to have an eyesight test or get help with your glasses or contact lenses. There may be costs unless you are eligible for a free NHS eyesight test or optical vouchers.
Scotland is the only country in the UK to provide free universal NHS-funded eye examinations. These are available to anyone ordinarily resident in. In some cases, the NHS will also give an optical voucher towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses.
Protection against infectious diseases
NHS vaccinations are free to everyone and give the best protection to children and adults against infectious diseases such as meningitis, mumps, measles, and rubella. Speak to your GP if you think you or your child have missed any vaccinations and an appointment can be arranged.
Coronavirus (Covid) Vaccines
For the latest guidance on what to do if you have or suspect you have the virus, look at the UK government’s COVID-19 advice webpage.
If you are registered with a GP in England, you can find out if you are eligible for a vaccination and book on the website. Alternatively, you can call 119 free of charge to book over the phone if you are not able to book online. You can speak to a translator if you need to.
Access to medical support in an emergency
If you or a family member has a serious accident or a sudden serious illness you should go to your nearest hospital with an Accident and Emergency department (A&E). Emergency treatment at Accident and Emergency services at NHS hospitals is free for everyone.
If it is an extreme emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for an ambulance to transport you to a hospital. This service is free of charge but should only be used in an emergency. If you are able to do so, you may also make your own way to the Accident and Emergency department.
You can find out more information about when to call 999.
Walk-in or Urgent Treatment centre
If you need treatment or advice that is not an emergency, but cannot wait until you next see your GP, you can obtain advice by calling 111 operated by the NHS. You can also ask for an interpreter to be on the line. NHS 111 will be able to refer you to a doctor or to a local Urgent Treatment Centre or provide you other guidance, depending on your circumstances and needs.
You can find your nearest Urgent Treatment Centre here.
5. Employment and paying tax
Paying tax
In the UK, the government (through His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC)) collects tax. Find more information here
You can use HMRC’s employment status for tax tool to check your employment status for tax purposes.
You can find more information on employment status here.
You have a responsibility to pay the right amount of income tax. Income tax is a set percentage of your yearly income. If you are employed by someone else, it is often deducted directly from your monthly salary through a system called Pay As You Earn (PAYE).
If you are not employed by a company or another person but earn an income, you have a responsibility to declare that income and pay the right amount of tax. The amount of tax you pay depends on how much you earn. You can check this at www.gov.uk/estimate-income-tax
For further advice, you can contact HMRC directly, or Citizens Advice, as well as professional accountants.
6. Homelessness assistance
Before you move to the UK, you should make your own plans for where you will live. If you do not do this, you may be at risk of becoming homeless.
If you become at risk of homelessness, you should contact your local authority as soon as possible. Other contact details for support:
There are different types of support your local authority could offer you. For example, they may offer you advice, emergency housing, support to find longer-term housing or help so you can stay in your home. The type of help that is offered depends on your eligibility for assistance, if you are in “priority need”, and what caused you to become homeless.
7. Childcare and education services
Childcare and education provision vary across the different nations that make up the UK.
Childcare
Childcare choices is a useful website to take you through your options.
For more information, please speak to your local authority or go to: https://www.gov.uk/get-childcare
Wales
For more information, please go to: https://gov.wales/help-paying-childcare
Northern Ireland
You can access a specified amount of free childcare for children depending on your circumstances. Please see more information.
Scotland
You can find out more information on early learning and childcare.
Education
England
In England, children aged 5 to 16 are required to be in full-time education. The local authority supporting you and your family will inform you which schools have vacancies and how to apply..
Children from the age of four can be enrolled in a local state-funded primary school which usually teaches children from the ages of 4 to 11. Some primary schools (called infant schools) educate children from ages 4-7 and then they go on to junior school at age 7.
Children 11 and older can join a local secondary school which teaches children from the ages of 11 to 16 or 11 to 18. There are sixth form colleges in some areas which teach young people aged 16 to 19 and further education colleges which teach young people and adults normally aged 16 and over. Please see the ‘Further education’ section below for more information.
Contact your local council to find:
- state-funded schools in your area
- admission criteria for the schools you are interested in
School admission authorities will use their admission criteria to decide which children to admit when there are more applications than places available.
When your children will be aged 4 or 11 in the following September (or if your children will be aged 7 and you are applying for a junior school), there are closing dates for you to submit an application to your local authority for a place. These are:
- primary – 15 January
- secondary – 31 October
All other applications are called ‘in-year applications’ and these deadlines do not apply. You would normally apply directly to the admission authority for the school but in some areas the local authority will manage the process. You will need to speak to your local authority about which system applies in your area.
You can obtain information on which schools have places still available from the local authority within which the schools are located.
Scotland
Scotland provides free school education for all children from the age of around four and a half years old, up to the age of 18.
Your local council is responsible for providing school education in the area you live. You can find full information on applying for all school places and placing requests
Wales
Parents and carers should contact the local authority for guidance on applying for a school.
Northern Ireland
Every child aged between four and 16 is entitled to a school place. If your child is eligible for primary or post-primary school, you must apply for their place.
Find more information
Children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)
Most schools and colleges are expected to identify and meet the needs of children with special educational needs and disabilities. Your local council will be able to offer more support and information. You can find your local council here.
For Scotland
Additional Support for Learning (ASL) in Scotland is different to Special Educational Needs & Disability in England (SEND), but your child will still receive support if they need it.
Additional Support Needs (ASN) are broadly defined, including those which might impact on children from Armed Forces families, such as transitions, interrupted learning and dealing with separation and loss. They can be of short or long-term duration and occur for a variety of reasons. ASN in Scotland includes needs defined as SEND in England.
There is a Scottish advice service for additional support for learning, where you will find useful information about when your child might be entitled to extra support.
Further education for 16–19-year-olds
Further education (FE) includes any study after secondary education that’s not part of an undergraduate or graduate degree.
More information on further education courses and funding is available.
More information on further education courses and qualifications for 14 to 19-year-olds is available.
If you are in Scotland you may wish to contact the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for further information on your eligibility and access to funding support.
Further education and training for adults
England
Chagossians who are British citizens and move to the UK will be eligible for funding for some courses through the Adult Education Budget (AEB), providing they meet the other non-residency based eligibility criteria.
For more information, please contact your local council or visit the website: Improve your English, Maths and IT skills.
If you wish to undertake a course that is not eligible for funding via the AEB, then you will need to pay for the course yourself.
If you are willing to pay a fee, privately run English language courses can be accessed via the British Council - [Learn English BritishCouncil] (https://www.britishcouncil.org/english).
You can find information on proving your English language abilities with a secure English Language Test.
Apprenticeships
England
An apprenticeship allows you to work and earn money, as an employee, with a contract of employment and holiday leave, while learning and receiving training.
It can take between one and six years to complete an apprenticeship depending on which one you choose, what level it is and your previous experience.
Chagossians who are British citizens and move to the UK will be eligible for funding relating to apprenticeships, providing they meet the other non-residency based eligibility criteria.
To become an apprentice, you must:
- be 16 or over
- not already be in full-time education
- live in England
If you don’t live in England, please see apprenticeship options in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
See more information on apprenticeships.
Higher education
You can search and apply for most higher education courses online.
You usually have to be 18 or older to take a higher education course. Courses can be taught in:
- universities
- colleges
- specialist institutions like art schools or agricultural colleges
Higher education qualifications include:
- diplomas
- bachelor degrees
- foundation degrees
- postgraduate degrees
Information on UK study options and the application process can be accessed via Study in the UK British Council.
Higher education providers control their own admissions policies and requirements, so you should contact the provider you are interested in directly if you have any questions.
England
Higher education providers in England charge fees for tuition. Chagossians who are British citizens and move to the UK will be eligible for home fee status, meaning they will not need to pay international fees. They will also be eligible for support to help meet the costs of tuition fees. To be eligible for maintenance support to help meet the cost of living while studying in England, Chagossians must have been lawfully resident in the UK for three years prior to the start of their course.
8. Emergency services
Police
The police are there to help and assist you as part of their role to keep people safe and uphold the law you should not be afraid to approach them if you are the victim of a crime, see a crime happening, or for general assistance; for example, if you are lost.
To report a crime, you should call the following telephone numbers:
- 999 - This is the number to call in an emergency. For example, if you are the victim of an assault or see a crime taking place. Ask for the ‘police’ when you get through. This is also the number to call if you need an ambulance or if there is a fire.
- 112 - is a common emergency telephone number that can be dialled free of charge from most mobile telephones, and in some countries, fixed telephones in order to reach emergency services - ambulance, fire and rescue, police.
- 101 - This is the number to call for less urgent situations. For example, if your property has been damaged.
Fire
If you need to report a fire you should call 999.
Protecting and caring for your children
The UK takes the welfare of all children very seriously. If you are worried about your child or another child, you can contact:
- National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) on 0808 800 5000 and help@nspcc.org.uk.
- Childline on 0800 1111
If you think that a child is at immediate risk of harm, please call the Police on 999 or 112.
9. Acting on discrimination
We are confident that Chagossians who choose to make the UK their home, and move here with their families, will be welcomed and able to integrate.
It is unacceptable to discriminate against anyone due to their age, disability, transgender identity, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. For example, racism involves discriminating against a person or treating a group of people differently because of their race. It is a serious offence to stir up racial hatred, injure, harass, damage property or verbally abuse someone or a group of people because of their race.
You should not be treated any differently because of the above characteristics (parts of a person’s identity) when applying for a job, looking for somewhere to live, using the National Health Service (NHS) or just buying something in a shop.
If you are a victim of crime
Everyone in the UK has the right to be protected from all forms of crime. Anyone who thinks they have been the victim of, or witnessed, a crime can report this to the police by calling 101 (non-emergency), 999 (in an emergency) or online to the local police force.
Any criminal offence can be a hate crime if it involves hostility which targets a person based on their race (which includes race colour, nationality, citizenship or ethnic or national origins), religion (which includes both religious belief and a lack of religious belief), sexual orientation, disability, or transgender identity. Typical examples of hate crime could include assault, criminal damage, harassment, and verbal abuse.
The police take hate crime very seriously and anyone who feels that they have been targeted for these aspects of their identity is encouraged to report it.
For anyone wishing to report a hate crime online, there are dedicated websites to help you:
- if you live in England
- if you live in Northern Ireland
- if you live in Wales
- in Scotland
- for support across the UK).
These websites also include details of a range of charitable organisations that victims of hate crime can contact to seek support and assistance.
Further information about the support available if you are a victim of any crime is available.
Domestic abuse
Domestic abuse is a serious crime in the UK. Anyone who is violent or abusive towards their partner, spouse or another family member, whether they are a man or a woman, married or living together, or separated can be prosecuted.
Domestic abuse can include a wide range of behaviours and is not limited to physical violence; it can include emotional, psychological, controlling or coercive behaviour, sexual and/or economic abuse. Domestic abuse can continue and may escalate after a relationship ends so it is important to seek help at the earliest opportunity.
Domestic abuse can have a significant impact on children and young people and families may need support from children’s social care to help ensure children are not at risk of harm and to help them to stay safe and address any trauma they have experienced through abuse.
For further information and help:
Freephone 24-Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
or visit (access live chat Mon-Fri 3-10pm)
Womensaid.org.uk information support
10. Driving
You must have motor insurance to drive your vehicle on UK roads. This requires Third Party insurance which is the legal minimum. This ensures that you will insurance cover if you have an accident-causing damage or injury to any other person, vehicle, animal or property. However, it does not cover any other costs like repair to your own vehicle.
To obtain your first provisional driving licence for a car, motorbike, moped or other vehicle from DVLA online. To apply you must:
- be at least 15 years and 9 months old
- be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away
- have legally lived in the UK for at least 185 days in total in the past 12 months
11. Glossary
Accident and Emergency Department – A medical treatment facility in a hospital specialising in emergency treatment for patients. The department provides treatment for illnesses and injuries which require immediate attention and, in some cases, may be life-threatening. These departments operate 24 hours a day and patients often arrive by ambulance following a call to the emergency 999 telephone number.
Child Benefit – A payment made to a parent or guardian of a child or children by the government every four weeks. You will be entitled to receive this benefit if you have a child or children under the age of 16 or under the age of 20 if they stay in approved education or training.
Citizens Advice – An independent charity specialising in providing confidential advice to help people with legal problems, debt management, housing and other problems in the United Kingdom. This is a free service with offices in most areas of the country.
Council Tax – A tax paid to the local council to fund services within the area. The tax is based on the value of the house and the number of people living in it. The rate is a fixed amount depending on the value and is reviewed every 12 months.
Debit Card – A card issued by a bank allowing the holder to transfer money electronically from their bank account when making a purchase.
Direct Debit – An arrangement made with your bank that allows a third party to transfer money from a person’s account on agreed dates typically to pay bills.
Disability benefits – A range of disability related financial support which includes payments, grants, tax credits and benefits. Your local employment centre (Job Centre Plus) will be able to help you with these.
Education - there are 6 stages of education in the UK:
- early years or nursery (under 5 years old),
- infant (4 – 7 or 8 years old)
- primary or junior (up to 11 or 12 years old)
- secondary (11 or 12 up to 16 years old)
- further education (usually undertaken in schools or colleges by those 16 – 19 years old, although some people return to undertake qualifications at this level later in life as “adult education”)
- higher education (usually undertaken in universities, post 18 years old)
Emergency services – The police, fire and rescue and ambulance service are all called using an emergency telephone number which in the UK is 999. You will be asked which service you need, and your call will be directed to the correct agency.
General Practitioner (GP) – A medical doctor based in your community who treats patients with minor or chronic illnesses and will refer patients with serious conditions to specialist consultants in a hospital.
Help to Claim – A service provided by Citizens Advice (not the UK Government) which gives confidential advice about how to claim Universal Credit
Homelessness – a person is classed as homeless if they have no accommodation in the UK. A person is also classed homeless if they have accommodation but cannot live there for example because of violence or has been evicted.
Job Centre Plus – A government funded employment agency and social security office found in most towns and cities. Their aim is to help people to find employment in the UK and they are also responsible for all benefit claims.
Local councils – A body of people elected to manage the affairs of a town, county or district rather than the state. The council provides vital services such as social care, schools, housing and waste collection.
National Careers Service – A government funded agency providing careers information, advice, learning and training in your career. This service is for anyone aged 13 years and over.
National Health Service (NHS) – A government funded national medical and health care service that everyone in the UK can use without being asked to pay the cost of the service. This is funded by the National Insurance contribution tax in the UK.
National Insurance (NI) number – A unique ‘personal’ account number ensuring all National Insurance (social security) contributions and tax are recorded on your individual tax account. Everyone over the age of 16 has one and you will need to provide your National Insurance (NI) number when you start a job.
School term times – These will vary depending on your local area; however, they tend to follow this pattern:
- Summer term: March/April to July
- Autumn term: September to December
- Winter term: Jan to March/April
Pension Credit – A financial benefit giving people extra money for living costs if they are over the UK State pension age (66 years) and on a low income.
Universal Credit – The payment is made up of a basic ‘standard allowance’ and extra payments that might apply to you depending on your circumstances.
Working in a regulated profession in the UK – Find information about regulated professions, their regulators and contact details, and also using the Regulated Professions Register.