From the Home Office, for those who still need clarification:
Library of Engagement Materials
Windrush Communications Partner Packs
Information videos on the Schemes (multiple languages)
Windrush Campaign videos (played on various community tv channels)
We thought it might be helpful to provide some information on how the Scheme operates and who can apply.
Windrush Compensation Scheme
The Windrush Compensation Scheme was launched in April 2019 to ensure members of the Windrush generation are properly compensated for the losses and impacts suffered as a result of being unable to demonstrate their lawful status in the United Kingdom. You can apply for the scheme if:
• you’ve had losses because you could not prove your right to stay in the UK
• you’ve had losses because you’re the partner, child, brother, sister or parent of someone who could not prove their right to stay in the UK
• you represent the estate of someone who had losses because they could not prove their right to stay in the UK
Those who don’t meet the published eligibility criteria are not automatically entitled to compensation under the Windrush Compensation Scheme. Applications are assessed against the eligibility criteria to establish if they are eligible for an award.
Information on who can claim under the Windrush Compensation Scheme can be found here: Apply to the Windrush Compensation Scheme: Eligibility - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Compensation claims are decided in accordance with the scheme rules which are available online on gov.uk. here: Windrush Compensation Scheme Rules (publishing.service.gov.uk)
There are thirteen categories under which individuals can claim compensation and claims require detailed consideration to understand the individual circumstances and experience of claimants. These categories are set out fully in the Windrush Compensation Scheme Rules (Part 11 refers). This includes an ‘Impact on Life’ category specifically designed to cover the non-financial impacts individuals may have faced, including a deterioration in physical or mental health.
We work hard to ensure that those who qualify under the Scheme get the maximum compensation to which they are entitled as early as possible, and we work with claimants to support them when gathering the information needed to progress their claim. This may include contacting other Government Departments on the claimant’s behalf on issues such as access to employment or loss of access to benefits.
Support for Claimants
Support in completing an application form under the Scheme is available from ‘We are Digital’ who provide assistance to claimants free of charge. Details of this service are contained within our guidance.
The Windrush helpline is also available to provide advice and support and a
‘Vulnerable Persons Team’ exists to provide support to those individuals requiring immediate support and a facility to consider an urgent payment exists by way of an Urgent Exceptional Payment policy. This may apply when a claimant is unable to wait for the full consideration of their application due to personal and exceptional reasons.
We continue to reach out to those individuals who may have suffered losses as a
result of being unable to demonstrate their status in the UK and who may have not yet come forward. In addition to outreach events, we have a library of products including promotional videos and literature which explain how the Scheme works and who can apply. An example is shown here https://youtu.be/2Iys5T1gre8
We continue to listen and respond to feedback received from both claimants and stakeholders to ensure the Scheme is operating effectively.
Windrush Compensation Scheme
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