Resources

The UK Government has announced changes for this year's Winter Fuel Payments. You will only be eligible if you are over the state pension age and receive certain benefits for at least one day between 16 and 22 September 2024. 

While NHS healthcare is generally free in the UK, some services like prescriptions, dental, and optical care may involve charges. If you are on low income, you may be able to get help with NHS costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme.  

If you're self-employed, it's crucial to complete your Self-Assessment tax return, even if you earn nothing. Failing to submit by the deadline can result in penalties: an initial fine, followed by increasing charges based on further delays.  

A Medical Exemption Certificate entitles you to free NHS prescriptions. You’re eligible for a medical exemption certificate if you have a specific medical condition. You should speak with your doctor to check if your condition makes you eligible. If yes, then your GP or doctor will give you an application form.  

The Benefit Cap limits the total amount of certain benefits that most working-age people can receive, even if their full entitlement would otherwise be higher.  

Many energy and water service providers in the UK offer support through interpreters on their helplines to assist customers who are not fluent in English, often in the form of 3-way calls.

British immigration system is becoming digital. It will impact on how you prove your immigration status to exercise your rights and travel to the UK. 

Attention Romanian citizens who receive a pension from Romania and reside in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. On September 1, 2024, the new law regarding the public pension system in Romania, came into force.

Are you a working parent living in the UK? You can get up to £2,000 per child, per year, towards your childcare costs with Tax-Free Childcare. 

Children in state-funded primary schools in London will continue to get free school meals for the next academic year – 2024/2025.

In London, LGBTQ+ people who are victims of hate crime have access to a range of support services and organizations dedicated to providing assistance, advocacy, and counselling.

The Work Capability Assessment evaluates an individual’s ability to work due to health conditions or disabilities, including mental health illness.

You may be eligible for financial support with your water bills. WaterHelp is available for people facing financial difficulties. WaterSure supports households with high water usage due to specific personal circumstances. 

Child benefit or children's allowance is a payment distributed to the parents or guardians of children, teenagers and in some cases, young adults. 

Britain is moving to a digital immigration system. If you use a physical document to prove your status, e.g. Biometric Residency Permit, a stamp or a vignette sticker in your passport, you will need to set up a digital UKVI account.  

If you have Pre-Settled Status (PSS), it is automatically extended by 5 years. Your right to work, rent a home, and access benefits or services in the UK continues with the extension.

Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a disability severe enough that you need someone to help look after you.

To open a bank account, you can walk into the branch and enquire about the process or try to open a bank account online. Setting up the account can take a few days, so it may be necessary to keep your current bank account open and use your ATM card until then.