Housing and welfare rights

Online tool to help establish what a family’s support options are on the basis of the parent’s immigration status.

Users will find out:

• Whether the parent can claim means-tested benefits or homelessness assistance
• Whether the family can access accommodation and financial support under section 17 of the Children Act 1989 (or equivalent legislation in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) and how children's social care will determine eligibility for this support
• What immigration options the parent may have and when the family will need to be signposted to an immigration adviser
• Whether the family may be able to access other services
• If the family will have the right to rent (England)

Users will need to be able to answer questions about the parent's immigration status.

Use the web tool

The tool was developed in partnership with the Centre on Migration, Policy and Society (COMPAS) at Oxford University and Soapbox. The project was initially funded by the Legal Education Foundation and has won a community integration award.

Web tool last updated: May 2025

Factsheet that summarises the immigration requirements that now apply to European Economic Area (EEA) nationals and their family members, and how these affect entitlement to benefits, housing assistance, and social services’ support. It also includes information about the EU Settlement Scheme to help local authorities to identify and assist residents who may need to make a late application.

Read the factsheet (PDF)