Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I get a National Insurance Number?

You can apply for a National Insurance number if all of the following are true:

• You live in the UK 
• You entered the UK on a visa that’s still valid (and has not been extended in the UK)
• You have the right to work in the UK (www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work.)

Call the National Insurance Number application line to ask for an application form - 0800 141 2079.

You will need supporting documents to apply, which can include: ID, proof of address, evidence of employment.

2. How can I get registered with a GP?

Contact your local GP surgery (www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp) and ask to register; they will give you forms to fill in. You'll need to complete a separate form for each person you want to register (i.e. each family member). All NHS surgeries and provision have translation services available.

Further information about migrants and NHS healthcare entitlements can be found here:

(www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-entitlements-migrant-health-guide)

3. How do I register my child in a school?

You will need to contact your local council (www.gov.uk/find-local-council),  and provide you and your children’s details so that they can allocate a school in your catchment area.

Norfolk County Council - 01603 638036 / admissions@norfolk.gov.uk.

4. What if I’m at risk of becoming homeless?

You will need to contact your local authority (www.gov.uk/find-local-council) and explain your situation in detail.

If you need an interpreter, they will be able to provide one (Great Yarmouth - 01493 856100).

You can also contact Shelter (england.shelter.org.uk/get_help) for free, impartial housing help

Shelter Helpline - 0808 800 4444

5. What is Universal Credit and how can I make a claim?

You can claim universal credit for help with rent and living costs.

You can usually get universal credit if you or a partner you live with:

• Are working age
• Meet the immigration and residence conditions
• Have a low household income or no money coming in at all

You apply online.

You have to wait at least 5 weeks before you get any money unless you ask for an advance.

In order to apply you will need the following information:

• An active email address
• Your full name, address and phone number
• Your National Insurance Number
• Your employment details
• Your landlord’s name, address and phone number
• Your most recent tenancy agreement
• Details of your family members to be included in the claim

Universal Credit Helpline - 0800 328 5644

More info and apply here - www.gov.uk/universal-credit/how-to-claim

6. How do I apply for Child Benefit or report changes?

Child Benefit is a monthly payment that can help you with the costs of your children.

If you're eligible, you'll get £27.05 a week for your first child and £17.90 a week for any children after that.

You can claim Child Benefit if:

• You're 'responsible for the child'
• The child is under 16 years old - or 16 to 20 years old and still in education or training

It doesn’t matter if you work, or have savings and investments.

You can find out more and apply online through the UK Government website - (www.gov.uk/child-benefit/how-to-claim)

Child Benefit Helpline - 0300 200 3100

7. My child was born here - how do I register his/her birth?

Register Offices are where births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships are registered in the UK, so you will need to contact your local Register Office - (www.gov.uk/register-offices)

By law, births in England must be registered within 42 days, and your baby must be registered in the district where they were born.

9. I’m new to the country and I have just rented out a house. What should I look out for?

Make sure that you view the house before signing any documents. If you think the house has any problems, you should make sure that they are resolved before moving in. Make sure that you get receipts for any money that you pay to your landlord or lettings agency and always read your tenancy agreement.

10. Why do I have to pay council tax?

In the UK, we all need to pay council tax which is calculated according to the property we live in. The amount will differ from household to household and if you are entitled to council tax benefit. This money will go towards infrastructure in the area, police, waste collection, schools and more. If you have difficulty paying it, you should contact your local council.

11. How do I apply for EU Settled Status?

All EU / EEA / Swiss citizens and their families MUST complete an EUSS application if they want to continue living and working in the UK.

• Deadline for applications was 30/06/2021

12. How can I legalise a document?

You can get certain official UK documents ‘legalised’ by asking the Legalisation Office to confirm that the signature, stamp or seal is from a UK public official.

You might need to do this if an official in another country has asked you to provide a UK document and they’ve said it must be legalised.

The standard service costs £45 per document, plus courier fees or postage.

More info here: (www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised)