Home office destroy records? Awful repercussions -please help

[Mara1507]

have three dependant children. I am American, and have resided in this country since 1983. I was 13 when I moved here with my mother who married a British Man and also was granted ILR. I was granted Indefinite Leave to Remain at that time. I have not left the country for any more than the odd rare holiday. Have been married then divorced...

I was given a photocopy ILR letter in 1983 age 13 and yes a stamp in a Passport. Since this date 34 years ago. The passport is no longer in existence. We have had one large house fire in 1986 in Middlesex, however I am not sure if this is when it may have been lost or it has been lost in time. It was never queried when I had holidays, Always it was just stamped VIPP (Verified in Previous Passport). I never renewed the stamp as it was not necessary and it was so much money.

I worked many years, paid my taxes. However, I fell on very bad times and was in a terrible marriage and was a victim of domestic violence.

I am now ill and trying to claim ESA. I have been told that they are running Home Office Checks as they do not accept I have Indefinite Leave. This is ludicrous. Unfortunately the home office have destroyed all paperwork! I have now sent all my info to the Biometric Card Office in the hope of a card - but am completely lost -- I do not know what I will do... this is crazy. I will lose all tax credits and Housing help..

They also claim my paper letter is not admissible as proof of ILR as it has no reference number yet it is all we were given?!

I do not know what I will do.

Please can anyone advise? Thank you x

[vinny]

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