CCM6980 - Particular Aspects: Residency - Claimants who are from an EEA State or an A8 National - General


Working Tax Credit (WTC) is available to claimants from states in the European Economic Area (EEA) who are exercising their rights as workers in the United Kingdom, or their right to reside here, under community law.

From 1st May 2004 the following group of countries, known as A8 nationals, joined the EEA

  • Slovenia
  • Slovakia
  • Hungary
  • Lithuania
  • Latvia
  • Poland
  • Czech Republic
  • Estonia

Any person who is an A8 national will be able to take up employment in the UK, provided they are authorised to do so under the Workers Registration Scheme (WRS) administered by the Home Office.

In principle this will give A8 nationals the same right to equal treatment as other EEA workers while they are working in the UK. After 12 months of uninterrupted employment an A8 worker will acquire full rights and will be free from the requirement to register under the WRS.

Further information and guidance on what action to take can be found in the NTC Manual by clicking on

  • Eligibility
  • Residency And Immigration Rules
  • A claimant’s Residence And Presence And Right To Reside In The United Kingdom (info)
  • Right To Reside In The United Kingdom.