The UK government has released official guidelines specifying which foreign nationals can claim Child Benefit after relocating to Britain. Notably, only three African countries—Morocco, Tunisia, and Mauritius—are included on the eligibility list under special bilateral agreements.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must prove that the UK is their primary residence.
- They must have a legal right to remain in the UK.
- The child must generally live with the claimant.
The guidance distinguishes individuals "subject to immigration control," typically excluding those without permission to stay or those with restrictions barring access to public funds. However, exceptions exist for nationals of certain countries.
Exceptions and Bilateral Agreements
Citizens of Albania, Morocco, Tunisia, and Turkey working in the UK may access Child Benefit despite immigration control restrictions. Among African nations, only Morocco and Tunisia benefit from this exemption, while Mauritius qualifies through a separate bilateral agreement.
Other countries on the broader agreement list include Barbados, Canada, Israel, New Zealand, and several European countries.
Additional Notes
Migrants with settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme are eligible for Child Benefit regardless of their country of origin. This inclusion provides a pathway for many not covered by bilateral agreements.
