The Home Office has launched the Windrush Compensation Scheme for those who have suffered loss and experienced impact.
An event was held in Woolwich this week, aimed at affected individuals, community leaders, charities and support groups, offering practical information on the Windrush Compensation Scheme in addition to help and support on how to make a claim.
Members of a special taskforce set up to help affected individuals were on hand to answer any questions on the Scheme that attendees had.
If you were unable to attend the event, a number of support channels have been opened.
You can also contact the dedicated helpline on:
Freephone: 0800 678 1925, or email: WindrushCompensationScheme@homeoffice.gov.uk
Who is eligible to claim?
The Scheme is open to those who settled in the UK from a Commonwealth country before 1973, and in certain circumstances their children and grandchildren. It is also open to people of all nationalities who arrived to live in the UK before 31 December 1988 and are settled here.
If someone suffered loss or impacts on their life due to not having documents to demonstrate their right to live in the UK, and belongs to one of the following groups, they may be eligible:
- Commonwealth citizens who settled in the UK before 1973;
- A child or grandchild of a Commonwealth citizen who arrived before 1973, in some circumstances;
- A person of any nationality who settled in the UK before 31 December 1988 and is now lawfully in the UK;
- The estates of those who are now deceased but who would have otherwise been eligible to claim compensation; and
- Certain close family members of eligible claimants where there has been a significant impact on their life or where there is evidence of certain direct financial costs.
Read more on all the categories of eligibility here.
What losses will be compensated for?
Individuals may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of losses, including impacts relating to:
- Employment
- Immigration fees and associated legal costs
- Detention, deportation removal and returns
- Housing
- Health
- Education
- Driving licences
- Banking services
- Impact on normal daily life
Applicants can make claims under multiple categories and there is no overall cap on the amount of compensation an individual can receive.
How to apply for compensation
It is quick and easy to make an application, and help is available to those who require additional support to make a claim.
· Claim forms can be downloaded from here.
