Croatian Rights to Housing and Homelessness Assistance

Croatia acceded to the EU on 1 July 2013. The UK has placed restrictions on the rights of Croatian nationals to access the UK labour market by setting up a Worker Authorisation Scheme. These restrictions will last until at least 30 June 2018.

The Worker Authorisation Scheme

Most Croatian nationals will be subject to the Worker Authorisation Scheme. However, there are some people who are exempt from the scheme; such as a Croatian national who, on 30 June 2013, had leave to enter or remain in the UK and work without restriction.

If subject to the Scheme, they will have to obtain a Worker Authorisation Document and be employed by an authorised employer. This will then give them a right to reside in the UK which will, in turn, allow them to apply for housing and homelessness assistance.

The Allocation of Housing and Homelessness (Eligibility) (Amendment) Regulations (NI) 2013 come into effect on 31 August 2013 and specify that a Croatian national will only be entitled to assistance with housing and homelessness if they are habitually resident and:

• They are exempt from the Worker Authorisation Scheme; or
• They are a self-employed person; or
• They are a worker complying with the Worker Authorisation Scheme.

As long as a Croatian national is working within the conditions set out in the Worker Authorisation Document, they and their family members will be eligible to apply for housing and homelessness assistance, even if they have been working for less than a year.

Lose Right to Reside

A Croatian national will lose their right to reside and, consequently, their right to housing and homelessness assistance if they cease working for their employer under the terms of the Worker Authorisation or if their authorisation is revoked by the Secretary of State. Temporary inability to work because of an illness or accident during the first 12 months of their authorised employment (unless it is for a period not exceeding 30 days) could mean that they will be unable to retain their worker status; which then have an effect on their eligibility for assistance.