To ask the Minister for Communities what actions her Department is taking to ensure that people eligible for the EU Settlement Scheme have the opportunity to apply.

My officials are working with DWP and others with a view to issuing letters to existing benefit claimants who are eligible for the Scheme but have not yet applied. This will remind people of the requirement to submit an application to the Scheme before the 30th June 2021 deadline and help ensure they can continue to receive benefits to which they are currently entitled. The letter will direct people to further information about how to apply for the Scheme.

In addition, Advice NI, the Department’s delivery partner and eleven member organisations are delivering support to EU, EEA and Swiss nationals and their family members to assist them in applying to the EU Settlement Scheme.