Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
What kind of benefits can I get in the UK?
It depends on your personal circumstances. Some benefits are means-tested, some are not. However, usually you must provide your National Insurance Number and if you are from an A8 country – your WRS Card and Certificate.
Can you interpret for me?
I can interpret for you to make a telephone appointment or to request an interpreter, but I can not go on external interpreting assignments for you.
How much benefit will I get?
There are some benefits that are not means-tested; for example Child Benefit and it is the same amount of money for everybody (depending on how many children you have got). Other benefits depend on you and your partners’ income. You can not get that information before you put your claim in place.
Can you recommend a school/nursery for my child?
I can not express an opinion about a specific school, but I can provide information and help with initial communication.
How can I apply for a school place/nursery place for my child?
You can apply for a school place by filling in a form, which we could send you via e-mail with the address you need to send it back to. If you require this form please send an e-mail to: annamazurek@bt.connect.com. You can also find it at the Northamptonshire County Council website or by contacting the Admission Team directly:
School Admissions
Education
John Dryden House
8-10 The Lakes
Northampton
NN4 7DD
Tel: 01604 236599
Fax: 01604 237011
email: admissions@northamptonshire.gov.uk
The person responsible for schools in Corby is Mandy Chan. You can contact her by sending an e-mail to: mchan@northamptonshire.gov.uk or by phone on: 01604 236125.
There are a lot of nurseries in Corby and you can choose the one you like. The next step is to go there and have a look around (you might have to make an appointment first). When you decide which nursery you like, the best thing to do is to go there and ask for an application form. The nursery will contact you as soon as they are ready to take your child.
Can you find cheap accommodation for me?
I can only signpost you to the relevant agencies or websites and speak to the appropriate person to arrange an initial meeting.
Do I need to get my WRS form sent to the UK Border Agency even if I work as a temporary worker?
Yes, if you are from an A8 country, you need to send your WRS form to get a card and a certificate as well as the right to work in the UK.
Do I need to get my WRS form every time I change my employer?
Yes, if you are from one of the A8 countries you need to send your WRS Form every time you change your employer to get a certificate and the right to work for this particular employer. Only the first time you send the form to get both a Card and a Certificate, do you need to pay. Your Card is for you and you should never send it back to The UK Border Agency. It is the one with the photograph of you on it. You should not send your certificates back, even if you get a new one, because of changing a job. Those documents are for you and you might need them while claiming benefits.
Can you help me with writing a formal letter?
Yes, I can. However, I can not write any legal documents. I can not sign any documents on your behalf.
Can I get any benefits if I am unemployed?
It depends on your personal circumstances. It is not possible to answer this question before you give us some information about your employment history, your country of origin, and information about your partner and any children you may have etc.
Can you call and make an appointment with a doctor on my behalf?
Yes. It would be helpful for me if you could sit next to me while I do this, so we could arrange an appropriate time and date for you.
Am I entitled to Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit if my children are not in this country?
You might be entitled to Child Benefit. However, you can not get Child Benefit from your country of origin at the same time. You are entitled to Child Tax Credit only if your child lives in the UK.
Can you tell me how to apply for a UK visa?
No, I am not allowed to give any legal advice. I can only signpost you to another agency.
What do I need to do to change my driving licence into a British one?
All you need to do is to pick up an application form from your local Post Office and fill it in. Send it with your photograph, applicable fee and your previous driving licence to the address given.
