The currency in the UK is the Pound Sterling (£). £1 (one pound) = 100p (100 pennies, or pence). Cash is accepted in most places but increasingly people use debit/credit cards to pay for goods and services.
Opening a bank account
There are a range of banks and you can choose one that suits you best. There are also online-only providers which you can use.
To open a bank account, you will usually need to show a form of identification such as your passport or a driver’s licence or a recognised identity card as well as proof of your address, such as your tenancy agreement or a gas, electric or phone bill. You should ask about any charges when you open a bank account.
Once you open your account, you will usually be issued with a debit card. Many cards are contactless - some shops will only accept contactless payment as will some transport providers.
You can also arrange for bills to be paid directly from your account using ‘direct debit’.
Further information on how to open a bank account is available at: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/banking/getting-a-bank-account/
We know that most EU Citizens wish to work. There are sometimes reasons why this is not possible. This may be because you do not have the right to work in the United Kingdom. It may be because you do not yet understand local languages well enough to get a job. During this period, you and your family will still need money to pay for living costs.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will be able to tell you what benefits you are eligible to claim and what you will need to do to make a claim. Different rules apply when accessing benefits and will depend on what status you have been given
You’ll need to prove different things about your life here for each benefit you apply for. You might need to give evidence that:
- you have settled status, pre-settled status or the right to claim benefits in the UK - this is called a ‘right to reside’
- the UK, Ireland, Channel Islands or Isle of Man is your main home and you plan to stay - this is known as being ‘habitually resident’
- you meet other criteria for the benefit you’re claiming - for example you earn less than a certain amount or you’re ill
You might still be able to claim some benefits in the UK. For example, if you're working and getting a benefit from an EEA country, you might be able to get Universal Credit.
When you apply for benefits in the UK, give details about the benefits you’re getting from another country, including how much money you get.
The amount of money you’re getting from your other benefits might affect what benefits you can get in the UK.
You, and members of your family living in the UK, will be able to claim or continue to receive the UK benefits you are entitled to. You will also continue to receive any Irish benefits you remain entitled to while living in the UK.
Living in the UK by 31 December 2020
You and your family members living in the UK by 31 December 2020 will be able to claim or continue receiving UK benefits for as long as you continue to be lawfully resident in the UK and meet the eligibility requirements.
You will need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme by 30 June 2021 to remain in the UK and be eligible to claim benefits.
Living in the UK after 1st January 2021
If you want to move to the UK you will be able to apply for an immigration status under the skills-based immigration system. The rules on claiming certain UK benefits have may be different. You will need to check what you are eligible to receive by contacting DWP.
You will still be eligible for a UK State Pension as long as you meet the qualifying conditions.
If you have made social security contributions in the EEA or Switzerland by 31 December 2020 and you are covered by the EU Withdrawal Agreement, you can still use these to help you qualify for a UK State Pension.
Moving back to the EEA or Switzerland
If you move back to the EEA or Switzerland and you are covered by the EU Withdrawal Agreement, you may still be able to claim certain UK benefits as long as you meet all other eligibility requirements.
If you receive a UK state pension, or you receive one in the future, and you leave the UK this will be uprated each year for the rest of your life, just as it would be if you were still living in the UK. This right is protected under the Withdrawal Agreement and will extend for your lifetime, or until you stop meeting the conditions of the agreement. For example, you move permanently out of your host country back to the UK, where you would receive pension uprating anyway.
UK workplace pensions
UK law allows for workplace pensions to be paid overseas, if you have any questions you should contact your pension provider