EMR

Why. Here in the Algarve it has been up to 20 degrees and the average winter temp rarely approaches that of the UK. Our heating bill is Max 30% of that when we are back in the UkVery few if any UK expats in the algarve need this payment to supplement heating costs. That is what wfp is for.

Fredbargate

UK benefits should only be paid to UK residents, those living elsewhere should be eligible to the benefits that the local residents receive.

EMR

Here here

Red Eric

Well it's a good thing you two aren't making the rules or we'd all lose the UK state pension too.

That must be what the picture editors have in mind when they automatically slap a photo of a yacht-filled, sun-drenched bay above any article which refers to expats.

The reality for most is a great deal different. Away from the coast, although the sun still shines the daily lows slump. For example during the next 3 days where I live it will be 3, 1 and 2 degrees, compared to London's comparatively balmy 9, 10 and 8.

Fredbargate

Pensions are benefits

Ingles

Which we ALL contribute too during our working life in UK

Fredbargate

Correct

However there are some on this forum who seem to think it is wrong for working immigrants to be able to claim benefits for family etc that are not resident in the UK so why should pensioners who are not resident in the UK be able to claim benefits?

Red Eric

I'm not one of them.

May I be excused from being collectively punished?

Fredbargate

No chance

You have to accept the majority vote

Plus any EU intervention whether democratic or not

EMR

P NO expat excluding those of dubious backgrounds living in Spain was forced to leave the UK. Each chose their current location as they believe that for them it is better than the UK. Yet for some reason even though they no longer contribute to the UK economy they want the UK to subsidise their lifestyle of choice. If they want wfp and other uk benefits granted to them by the EU they should move back to the UK. The only transferable payment should be the state pension.

Fredbargate

I disagree, it is a benefit and UK benefits should not be paid to non UK residents

morro

Fred, do you receive a state pension.

Have you paid any N.I in the UK

Fredbargate

Yes

Red Eric

How about healthcare?

Under the current arrangements, a properly registered British pensioner's healthcare costs get charged back to the UK - are you saying that should be withdrawn and they should have to pay the charges themselves?

EMR

The question may soon be will those countries in the EU who operate this system continue should the UK vote to leave.
They may well want " cash up front " for treatment be it literally that or from insurers.
Whether the UK decided to re imburse expats is a different matter.