I am moving back to the UK and thought I would ask for help on this forum . I have posted this on Moving back to UK Forum previously.

I have lived approx 18years in Canada, pingponged ,lived 4 years in the UK, back to Canada and now heading back to UK to retire. I know I can collect OAS in the UK after 20years living in Canada. However, I am trying to find out if my 4years in the UK (paid Nat Ins) will also count towards the magic 20years that I need .

Uk and Canada have an agreement re benefits and wondered if OAS is included in this. Any help would be appreciated!

Unless you were contributing to CPP for those four years I don't think they will count towards OAS. Especially as you paid NI for these years.

There is a provision that will count years spent outside Canada but to qualify for this you must (amongst other conditions) have been living in Canada on July 1, 1977 and also lived in Canada for ten continuous years before applying. I assume this will not apply to you.

Just to add - I am not an expert on this. I don't think the rules are at all clear.

Hi we are planning to go back in 3 years time to retire as well and were wondering about this too! Let us know if you find out anything. BTW if it is not too cheeky where are you retiring to? We are undecided on Devon, Norfolk and Isle of Wight but then have 3 years to think as I said and a lot can happen in those years

The Isle of Wight is a waiting room for heaven, I have to admit I am puzzled as to why. It is very expensive to leave it to travel anywhere.

Must admit ferries are expensive but you can get a good deal if you leave at 4am ha ha - mind you the roads are quiet then. Also worried about being accepted there as retirees and having enough to do? OH likes Ventnor area. Seems should avoid Newport, have quite a high crime according to the police reports - would you go back there to retire?

I lived there for the first 21 years of my life. My family still live there. I don't believe crime is an issue anywhere there. I wouldn't retire there.