Emil's story | EUSS delays and DWP inconsistencies make things so much worse

Emil is German but has lived in the UK all his life. Growing up in poverty, he has experienced discrimination from a young age. He is now in his early 20s and has been arrested by police on several occasions because of hanging around with the wrong crowd. Thankfully he has never been convicted of any crime.

Emil submitted an application for settled status under the EUSS in time. He received a Certificate of Application confirming this, which should entitle him to all the same benefits and rights that he would have if and when his application is successful. Two years on, he is still waiting for a decision.

Struggling to make ends meet, Emil applied for Universal Credit. Despite having his Certificate of Application, Emil was told he needed to prove his entitlement. That evidence was not easy for him to get. His parents’ work history was patchy and they hadn’t kept many records.

Finding a lawyer with the right expertise was very difficult in the area where he lives, but the3million put him in contact with a solicitor who was able to take his case to the Social Security Tribunal. That made all the difference. The judge directed DWP to search their own records and in doing so they discovered that Emil’s mother had secured a permanent right to reside in the UK years ago. This meant Emil had too.

DWP revised their decision before the appeal went ahead and he was finally granted Universal Credit, which was backdated almost two years. He is doing well and has his own flat, and is able to find work without the stress of eviction looming over him.