Navigating benefits, immigration, and entitlements systems can be incredibly complex. This complexity is compounded when English isn’t your first language and you’re living in the UK as a refugee, having fled your own country. The situation becomes even more challenging when you’re on Universal Credit with three children to feed, especially during a cost of living crisis. Where do you start?
This was the reality for Zara, a refugee whose youngest child was born in the UK. As a new mother, she initially approached Citizens Advice Barnet through a foodbank, seeking help with applying for travel documentation and a Biometric Residence Permit card for her baby. Although she was eligible to apply online, the process was daunting due to the language barrier and technical difficulties.
Zara attempted to make the application online, following our advice, but could not due to technical difficulties and needed further help.
Hurdles at the front door
As any parent with young children knows, getting out and about with a new baby can be a logistical headache, but Zara was able to reconnect with us through our advice line. She was set up with a phone appointment with Maz, one of our immigration advisors. Maz assisted her in making an application for her UK-born child to be granted leave in line with her own immigration status.
Impact of Cost of Living
When asked about how the cost of living crisis has impacted her and her family, Zara said:
“A lot, to be honest. There are many expenses I have to cover, and I feel sad for my children. They attend good schools, but I can’t afford extra courses like other parents. I struggle to cover essential expenses, like the energy bill. The money I receive is just enough to pay the bills, leaving little for anything else.”
The support from Citizens Advice Barnet provided Zara with a lifeline:
“Honestly, without the help from Citizens Advice Barnet, it would be hard to manage everything and pay for solicitors. They asked me to pay £300, which I couldn’t afford,” she said.
“Instead, I called Citizens Advice Barnet. Their help meant that everything was done correctly and this has helped my mind to be quiet. Now I know everything will be OK.”
With our assistance, Zara was able to find a way forward and secure the necessary documentation for her child, offering a sense of stability and peace of mind during a period of uncertainty.
If you’re interested in supporting Citizens Advice Barnet to help people like Zara and others, find out more how you can get involved.