- The Home Secretary and the Immigration Minister have made clear that they are determined to right the wrongs experienced by the Windrush generation.
- The Compensation Scheme is another step to deliver on that commitment, and it is now open for claims.
- The Compensation Scheme will provide financial payments to members of the Windrush generation who did not have the right documentation to prove their lawful right to live in the UK and suffered losses or impacts on their life as a result.
Who could be eligible for compensation?
- If someone suffered loss or impacts on their life due to not having documents to demonstrate their right to live in the UK, and belongs to one of the following groups, they may be eligible: o Commonwealth citizens who settled in the UK before 1973
- A child or grandchild of a Commonwealth citizen who arrived before 1973, in some circumstances
- A person of any nationality who settled in the UK before 31 December 1988 and is now lawfully in the UK
- The estates of those who are now deceased but who would have otherwise been eligible to claim compensation; and close family members of eligible claimants where there has been a significant impact on their life or where there is evidence of certain direct financial costs.
- What losses will be compensated for?
- Individuals may be eligible for compensation for a wide range of losses such as employment, benefits, education or NHS healthcare.
- For the full list of losses and impacts that can be compensated visit www.aov.uk/windrushcompensation.
How to apply for compensation - It is quick and easy to make an application, and help is available to those who require additionalsupport to make a claim. Guidance on completing the application and claim forms can be downloaded from wuw.gov.uWwindrush-compeosation
Individuals can also request a form to be sent by post by calling our helpline on 0800 678 1925. They can also check eligibility and request any additional support they may need to complete the form.
Individuals can also email WindrushCompensationScheme@homeoffice.gov.uk with additional questions or request a call back.
We have considered nearly 1 ,500 responses to the consultation which have been crucial to the design of the scheme.
The Home Secretary appointed Martin Forde QC to oversee the design of the Compensation Scheme, providing independent scrutiny on its operation.
Over 3,600 people have successfully applied to become British nationals through the Windrush Scheme. If any long-term UK residents have concerns about their right to live in the UK then they should contact the Windrush Taskforce for support.
