Benefits and new dual nationality

Tiina33

I am at present (and always have been) solely a British citizen. However, because of brexit I would like to apply for an Irish passport as I want to be an EU citizen. The problem is that I am on ESA (in the support group) and I am unsure if changing to dual nationality (British and Irish)would affect my ESA. Is it something which would count as a change of circumstances and thus cause them to transfer me to UC? (I heard that anyone with a change of circumstances gets moved to UC automatically.) Someone I know applied for and received Irish citizenship and an Irish passport and didn't tell the DWP as he is still also British so thinks that it isn't necessary to tell them, but I would tell them if I do it as otherwise I would worry about it too much. If I do apply for dual nationality and then tell the DWP if my application is accepted, how are they likely to react?

calcotti

As you will retain your British citizenship it will make no difference.

As an aside, no one automatically gets moved to UC. There are some (not all) changes of circumstance which end existing benefit claims. If the claimant wants to continue to receive the relevant means tested support they then have to apply for UC.

[Deleted User]

OP do you intend moving to Ireland? and if not whats the point of dual nationality, it might just might cause problems later in the year if the negotiations don't go well.

calcotti

venison wrote: »

OP do you intend moving to Ireland? and if not whats the point of dual nationality, it might just might cause problems later in the year if the negotiations don't go well.

An Irish nationality would allow the OP to move freely around the EU without the need for visas and or restrictions that may apply to U.K. citizens in the future.

Tiina33

Thank you all for your replies.

Venison, what sort of problems might it cause?

nkomp18

None.

There are only advantages to EU membership

yksi

I have both British and EU and I am not aware of any impact on my UC in any way.

There is no way I would let go of my EU nationality and I see no reason for it to cause problems in future. I have lived all my life with more than one citizenship and all I've ever needed to do is make sure I understand passport rules when travelling.

Tiina33

Thank you, Yksi, for your reply. (Oletko suomalainen? )
Am still hoping Venison will reply again.

[Deleted User]

Tiina33 wrote: »

Thank you, Yksi, for your reply. (Oletko suomalainen? )
Am still hoping Venison will reply again.

Here I am, I just see no advantage atm, its not going to be difficult to move around the EU for at least a year and maybe never, and maybe if you wanted to move to live in the EU after 2021 who knows what the benefit arrangements will be? if any.
By all means do as you wish but don't expect anyone to have a crystal ball.

WhenIam64

What does Freedom of movement cost you?

A passport is €75 or a passport card is €35. These will last for 10 years. The electronic visa is €7 and is valid for 3 years - equivalent to €23 for 10 years. So unless you spend more than 90 days in any 180 days, there is no financial advantage to a passport as regards travel.

Working and living though is another matter.

unforeseen

We never had a problem moving around Europe before 1973, why should it pose a problem in the future unless the EU want to be awkward, a rote that will only decrease money into the EU and reduce tourism.

People can live without Benidorm and other tourists areas. Benidorm et al can't live without tourism.