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With all the conflicting laws, different situations etc., it seems I cannot find an answer and I need some information.
My cousin was born in the UK, she moved to the US 27 years ago, and has since settled and now has 2 daughters, who are 17 and 8.
My cousin is and always has been a British Citizen, but her 2 daughters are American. Her 8-year-old daughter has a condition which has caused her to lose her sight and she needs her mother to take care of her full time. My question is in 2 parts really;
1. As my cousin's daughters are under 18, can they claim British passports?
2. If yes, then as a British citizen in the US, would her 8 year old daughter be entitled to any disability benefits as she has almost no entitlement here in the US, and has to stay here because of dual custody arrangements etc.
I just feel this is a hugely complicated situation, but surely, there must be some entitlement somewhere?
With all the conflicting laws, different situations etc., it seems I cannot find an answer and I need some information.
My cousin was born in the UK, she moved to the US 27 years ago, and has since settled and now has 2 daughters,who are 17 and 8.
My cousin is and always has been a British Citizen, but her 2 daughters are American. Her 8-year-old daughter has a condition which has caused her to lose her sight and she needs her mother to take care of her full time. My question is in 2 parts really;
1. As my cousin's daughters are under 18, can they claim British passports?
Yes, if they have a parent that is British they can claim British citizenship. Apply at the British embassy in Washington DC.
2. If yes, then as a British citizen in the US, would her 8 year old daughter be entitled to any disability benefits as she has almost no entitlement here in the US, and has to stay here because of dual custody arrangements etc.
I don't think you would be able to claim British disability benefits here in the US - I believe it is a residency issue - they would need to be in the UK to claim. Why can't they claim US benefits as they are American afterall through Medical or whatever?
I just feel this is a hugely complicated situation, but surely, there must be some entitlement somewhere?
mumof3 is correct. You can't claim any benefits without being a full time resident of the UK. I believe the only exception of any sort of government payments going abroad are to pensioners living in some parts of Europe.
but surely, there must be some entitlement somewhere?
Much as I sympathise with your cousin and her daughter, why would someone born abroad, who has spent their whole life abroad, feel entitled to claim social security in this country? No wonder the economy is in such a mess when so many see Britain as a soft touch. Your cousin has chosen her country of residence.
I know it was a longshot, and in principle I agree with what you said, it's just that the state they live in does next to nothing to help her and so many people I know have found loopholes and get to claim benefits from different countries. It breaks my heart to see them struggling and I just thought that as an 8-year-old British citizen in the US, she may have entitlement somewhere.
Thank you
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hengist
Much as I sympathise with your cousin and her daughter, why would someone born abroad, who has spent their whole life abroad, feel entitled to claim social security in this country? No wonder the economy is in such a mess when so many see Britain as a soft touch. Your cousin has chosen her country of residence.
She could apply for Social Security Income (SSI) and if she is able to work (when she becomes of age) she can qualify for SSDI which is more money and she is able to earn up to $990 a month without penalities. I wonder why she has not applied for SSI? Blind people automatically qualify. Keep in mind, blind people CAN work but the type of work they can find is going to be limited. Good luck.
Much as I sympathise with your cousin and her daughter, why would someone born abroad, who has spent their whole life abroad, feel entitled to claim social security in this country? No wonder the economy is in such a mess when so many see Britain as a soft touch. Your cousin has chosen her country of residence.
mumof3 is correct. You can't claim any benefits without being a full time resident of the UK. I believe the only exception of any sort of government payments going abroad are to pensioners living in some parts of Europe.
And I think you have to make a certain amount of national insurance payments before you can us the NHS anyway. Not sure though.
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