Frequently asked questions for life in the UK and new arrivals, plus trusted links
Short, sourced answers to the questions our community asks most. Newest first.
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GOV.UK: ILR lets you live, work and study without a time limit and apply for benefits if eligible. For most people it lapses after more than 2 continuous years abroad (Returning Resident visa £726). You can apply for citizenship (£1,839) after 12 months; ILR gives no vote in UK general elections.
GOV.UK: Pension Credit tops weekly income up to £238 (single) or £363.25 (couple); savings up to £10,000 are ignored. People born on or before 27 June 1960 may get Winter Fuel Payment (taken back if income exceeds £35,000). The Warm Home Discount is £150.
Working parents in England can get 30 free hours a week for children aged 9 months-4 years, Tax-Free Childcare (£2 for every £8) or 85% support in UC; Tax-Free Childcare and UC childcare cannot be combined. Children of UC families get free school meals from 2026-27.
ILR holders can generally apply for council housing (sponsor-undertaking exception); if you moved to the UK in the last 2 years habitual residence is checked and most councils want a local connection. Rent support now mostly comes through UC; Council Tax Reduction varies by council.
GOV.UK: Statutory Maternity Pay is 90% of average earnings for 6 weeks, then £194.32 (or 90%, whichever is lower) for 33 weeks. Maternity Allowance lasts 39 weeks; Sick Pay is up to £123.25 a week for 28 weeks. A £500 Sure Start grant may be possible for a first child.
GOV.UK: PIP daily living £76.70 / £114.60, mobility £30.30 / £80; Attendance Allowance £76.70 / £114.60; Carer's Allowance £86.45. All three need you to have spent at least 2 of the last 3 years in England, Scotland or Wales and not be subject to immigration control.
The NHS sight test is free for under-16s, 16 to 18-year-olds in full-time education, people aged 60 or over, people with diabetes or glaucoma or at risk of it, and HC2 holders. Optical vouchers for glasses go to a much narrower group. Most adults are advised to test every two years.
NHS dental treatment carries one charge per course: Band 1 £27.90, Band 2 £76.60, Band 3 £332.10, urgent £27.90. Under-18s, pregnant people, mothers of babies under 12 months and HC2 holders get free treatment. There is no GP-style registration; find a dentist taking new NHS patients.
You can refer yourself for NHS pregnancy care; the first midwife appointment is usually at 8 to 12 weeks. Pregnant people and recent mothers get free NHS dental care, and free prescriptions with a MatEx. Flu, whooping cough and RSV vaccines are advised. Maternity care may cost visitors.
In England a prescription costs £9.90 per item. A 3-month PPC is £32.05 and a 12-month PPC £114.50; they pay off from 4 items in 3 months or 12 in a year. Under-16s, over-60s, pregnant people, medical exemption holders and HC2 holders get free prescriptions; wrong claims are penalised.