Claiming benefits after living abroad

jak

A family member has just returned to the U.K. after living in Cambodia for 14 years. He is a British citizen, was born here. Is he able to claim universal credit while he looks for work? I’m not sure if he has to wait for a certain amount of time first? He doesn’t have savings and is living with family for now. I can’t seem to find an answer online so wondered if anyone knew? Many thanks, J x

calcotti

He may be declined until he has been here for about three months to demonstrate habitual residence. However he can apply and there is nothing to be lost by applying now. If he can demonstrate that he has given up his connections with Cambodia and has transferred his life to UK he may not have to wait.
https://epiuat-app.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/coming-from-abroad-and-claiming-benefits-the-habitual-residence-test/the-habitual-residence-test-an-introduction/what-is-the-habitual-residence-test-EWSNI/
https://epiuat-app.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/coming-from-abroad-and-claiming-benefits-the-habitual-residence-test/the-habitual-residence-test-an-introduction/the-habitual-residence-test-how-a-decision-is-made/

xylophone

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/76077572/#Comment_76077572

jak

That’s brilliant thank you x