IMA urges parents and carers to check their children’s EUSS application status

The Independent Monitoring Authority for the Citizens’ Rights Agreement (IMA) is encouraging parents and carers to check their children’s EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) application status.  

Concerns have been raised with the IMA regarding parents and carers paying thousands of pounds for NHS treatment for their children after missing the deadline for submitting an EUSS application on their behalf.  

Parents and carers must apply to the EUSS within 90 days of their child being born or adopted in the UK; or if the child is living abroad and coming to join them in the UK.  

Although the deadline for applications for most people was 30 June 2021, parents and carers can still apply for their child - or they can apply for themselves - if they lived in the UK by 31 December 2020. 

EU and EEA EFTA citizens who have applied to the EUSS, have a number of rights in the UK or Gibraltar. Their family members also share these rights. 

Applying for EUSS protects rights to:  

• Work in the UK 

• Use the NHS for free 

• Enroll in education or study in the UK 

• Access public funds such as benefits and pensions (if eligible) 

• Travel in and out of the UK  

Further information on how to check whether your child is eligible to apply and the documents you will need for the application can be found on the GOV.UK website. 

Applying to the EUSS is free. You can apply here.