Do you feel confused or unsure about your legal status in the UK? Have you suffered losses because you were unable to prove your right to live in the UK?
The Windrush Scheme can help you get the documents you need to prove your right to be in the UK.
The Windrush Compensation Scheme can compensate you if you suffered losses because you weren’t able to prove your right to live in the UK.
The Windrush Help Team is here to help you apply to the Windrush Scheme and claim compensation.
About the schemes
David and Adom from the Windrush team explain the Windrush Scheme and the Windrush Compensation Scheme.
Who can apply
We can help you confirm your legal status and claim any compensation you’re entitled to if:
- you settled lawfully in the UK before the end of 1988 or
- you or your parents are from a Commonwealth country and settled lawfully in the UK before 1973
Some grandchildren and close family members may also be able to claim compensation.
It’s free to apply for documents or compensation. The Windrush Help Team will contact you if they have any questions about your application.
Apply for status documents
If you’re settled in the UK but do not have a document to prove it, you may be eligible to apply to the Windrush Scheme.
Apply for compensation
You may be able to claim compensation if you suffered losses because you could not show that you had a right to live in the UK.
‘Losses’ can be things like not being able to work, find a place to live or get health treatment. They can also include immigration action, like detention or removal from the UK.
You can also claim for losses if:
- you are the close family member of someone eligible to claim and you have had significant losses yourself
- you represent the estate of someone who had losses because they could not prove their right to stay in the UK
Call the free helpline
If you need more information, call the Windrush Help Team for free.
Telephone: 0800 678 1925
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 3pm
Anything you tell us will be treated with sensitivity and won’t be passed on to Immigration Enforcement.
Find out more
To find out more about the scheme and who can apply, you can:
- attend an online event to find out more about the Windrush Compensation Scheme
- read the list of Commonwealth countries
- download promotional posters and booklets in English, Bengali, Gujarati, Punjabi, Urdu and Welsh
- download our partner pack to help you raise awareness of the scheme