Special Non-contributory Benefits for EU Migrants: A Tri-city Project
The AIRE Centre is excited to announce the start of a new project funded by the European Commission on 'Special Non-Contributory Benefits for EU Migrants'. In collaboration with FLAC (Free Legal Advice Centre, Dublin) and Lize Glass (legal consultant and former AIRE intern, Amsterdam) and with the support of our new Skadden fellow Sarah St. Vincent, the project aims to improve the information that EU migrants have about their right to access special non-contributory benefits.
Over 15 months, we will be collecting statistical data, holding discussions with other NGOs and lawyers, reviewing decisions of courts and tribunals and analysing the findings to support the sharing of information, development of best practice and increase in capacity of advisers’ and representatives’ knowledge about special non-contributory benefits across the three cities.
Round -table 1 (London, 19 January 2012)
The first round-table, hosted by Skadden Arps LLP was a great success and a very encouraging start to the project. It provided an opportunity for the project staff from AIRE, Free Legal Advice Centres (FLAC, Dublin) and Radboud University (the Netherlands) to meet each other, and benefit from training sessions lead by Adrian Berry (barrister, Garden Court Chambers), Martin Williams (Child Poverty Action Group) as well as by AIRE staff.
Topics discussed included the background to Regulation 883/04/EC, the right-to-reside test and Patlmalniece, administrative considerations in accessing special non-contributory benefits (delays and remedies), victims of trafficking and domestic violence, homeless EEA nationals, and pregnant women.
Round -table 2 (Dublin, 1 March 2012)
The second round-table was held in Dublin on 1 March 2012, co-hosted by FLAC. With over 30 participants, it was an incredibly informative and interesting event, and we are particularly grateful to the speakers who lead a diverse range of sessions, prompting very useful discussions. Common problems and challenges were identified, as well as a sharing of experiences, best practices and possible solutions.
Materials from the round-table are available here and further updates will be posted shortly.
Materials
Materials from the round-tables, as well as additional resources, are available here.
If you would like to attend the round-table, or have any questions, please contact Esther Lieu
With Financial Support from the European Commission
