The Windrush Schemes

The government has set up two schemes in the wake of the Windrush scandal. W D Legal provides support and advocacy for people who are thinking of applying for these schemes.

The Windrush Scheme allows you to apply for documentation confirming your residency status. 

• If you are eligible for British citizenship you can apply for this free of charge;
• You will not have to take a Life In The UK test or English language qualification;
• Commonwealth citizens who were settled in the UK by 1973 may make a free application to return to the UK permanently.

The Windrush Compensation scheme aims to provide compensation to people who have suffered losses (or represent the estate of someone who has suffered losses)

1. by being unable to show that they have a right to live in the UK (primary claimants) 
2. by being the partner, child, brother, sister or parent of a primary claimant (secondary claimants). 

To be eligible for the Windrush Compensation scheme the primary claimant must first have documentation confirming their residency status. If they do not have this you need to apply to the Windrush Documentation scheme in order to obtain it.