You had a previous permanent right to reside

If you used to have a 'permanent right to reside' in the UK as an EEA national, or a family member of an EEA national at some point before 31 December 2020, you might be covered by the rules for people already resident on 31 December 2020.  You will need to:

• Have been resident in the UK within the five years leading up to 31 December 2020, and
• When you were last resident in the UK before your most recent absence, you had a permanent right to reside in the UK

If that applies to you, see the rules for people who were resident on 31 December 2020.

You did not have a previous permanent right to reside

Being an EEA national, or belonging to the family of an EEA national, no longer guarantees access to benefits under more advantageous rules than people from elsewhere in the world.  Your right to claim most benefits, especially means tested benefits, depends on your immigration status in the UK and whether you are habitually resident in the UK and Irish common travel area.