A8 jargon buster
Benefits
Cash help from government to help with day to day expenses if you are on a low income or are sick or disabled.
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
The UK goverment department that issues NI numbers and looks after pensions and benefits.
EEA national
You are an EEA national if you are a national of one of these countries:
However, there are different rules for people from the A8 countries (see the Introduction for a list of A8 countries).
Habitual Residence Test
A test which the government uses to find out if you are entitled to some benefits.
HM Revenue and Customs
The UK government department that collects tax and National Insurance contributions.
Home Office
The UK government department that looks after law and order and immigration, including issuing registration certificates and managing the Workers Registation Scheme.
Jobcentre Plus
A local government agency that offers help and advice to find a job and make a claim for benefits.
National Insurance Number (NI Number)
Your own personal number which ensures that the National Insurance contributions and the tax you pay are properly recorded on your account.
National Insurance contributions (NICs)
Money deducted from your wages and used by government to pay for public services like the NHS and benefits. Paying NICs builds up your entitlement to some benefits and the state pension.
Registration Certificate
The document which is given to EEA nationals who have the right to stay in the UK.
Residence Card
The document which is given to non-EEA family members of EEA nationals who have the right to stay in the UK.
Self-sufficient
An EEA national who has enough money to support themselves during their stay in the UK.
Workers Registration Scheme
A8 nationals who want to work in the UK have to register with this scheme run by the Home Office.
