hirschhs

Hi, as a UK pensioner living in the EU, it seems I can't claim a UK bus pass without declaring that I'm a permanent UK resident; does anyone have any other relevant info?
It's a shame as it would be handy when visiting...

scrubbedexpat142

Sorry but I think that's taking the mickey!

hirschhs

That's ok! You can think that.
I paid taxes all my life and still do when I earn above a certain amount so I don't think using the concessions available is 'taking the mickey'! Otherwise, I suppose accepting my pension and winter heating allowance might also be in the same category!

scrubbedexpat142

But the concession is not available!

mikelincs

Bus passes are a resident concession and not a right for everyone, just get over it and get transport concessions where you DO live.

Pollyana

I paid taxes and still pay NI to the UK, even though I now live in Australia. However I wouldn't expect to get concessions like bus passes until I actually move back home. They are for residents, and are clearly marketed/described as such.

Pensions are a totally different matter and have totally different rules - though I do think its a bit unfair that those of you in Europe get index lined pensions, whereas us down here have them frozen with no increase after we start claming.

scrubbedexpat142

Pollyana - you are quite right about this, however, if it helps, you can be sure our pensions will be frozen after brexit!

mikelincs

You need to have a word or two with the Australian government to get a reciprocal agreement organised. The UK won't dare freeze pensions, remember that pensioners are a major voting power, and pissing them off will not endear that party to them

hirschhs

I have nothing to get over, I was simply enquiring if anyone knew something I didn't! Clearly it's not possible. Fine.
Thanks to all who responded!

Pollyana

Like they are going to listen to me when all the petitions etc already done have failed? No chance. We get our pensions under the existing reciprocal agreement, but no COL increase after we start claiming.
I get notice of enough petitions on the subject in my inbox to sink a ship, they aren'tgoing to change in a hurry.

quiltman

sorry!

quiltman

Wasn't it the OZ government who pulled out of the pensions part of the reciprocal agreement some years ago because the UK would not give the annual increase?Yes, it was - https://www.dss.gov.au/about-the-dep...ctive-migrants . Here in the Philippines we still get the increase due to the reciprocal Social Security agreement with the UK. In return for the ability of Filipino citizens paying into NI(there are thousands of them!) and so possibly qualifying for a UK pension, plus being able to use the NHS,we get the annual increase, plus can claim incapacity benefit, plus pay no local income tax on funds remitted here.