starsky_

Hi all - I've repeatedly read that once a British citizen officially leaves the UK (becomes a non-resident), HMRC (or other government agency) "gives" that citizen "free" money (in some form) but, as always, when you're looking for something you cannot find it. Could someone give the name of this scheme, please?

InVinoVeritas

I would like to know too

Seriously though, never heard of it. Best hope is for a tax refund for any overpayment.

starsky_

I've seen it in these forums a few times. I think it might be National Insurance contributions or something similar. It's around £2500. Cannot be claimed retrospectively. I should have book-marked it! Doh!

InVinoVeritas

The whole of BE is searchable via Google just put "britishexpats" at the start of your search.

mikelincs

I thought it was 'pigs flying'.. OP has more threads open in various forums on the same subject.

starsky_

Yes, thanks mikelincs - ME forums are more active than this Malaysian one and as I've kept a closer eye on ME forums more over the past few years as i was anticipating moving there, that is where I've seen it posted the most. Nothing sinister, mate, but thanks for your help anyway!!

scot47

Sounds like the sort of story that you hear down at "The Saracens' Head" from one of the less well informed customers.

Davita

I wonder if you are thinking of the UK Old Age Pension (OAP).
If one has been contributing to National Insurance (NI) while working in UK and then leaves to reside abroad it is possible to continue contributing to the NI to qualify for the UK OAP.
It is a little complicated and is certainly not Free Money.
I contributed for 22 years then left UK but maintained my contributions till age 65. I've been receiving the OAP for the last 13+ years and have probably received more back than my contributions cost.
If I hadn't I would have received nothing for the first 22 years contributions.

JC3

There's some ideas here:
Pension loopholes: five ways to get money for nothing - Telegraph

It's worth reading the 'Readers' Comments'...which explain some of this 'free money' is also available to expats.

JC3

JC3

Another ‘trick’ worth thinking about is to defer your UK State Pension. More on this here:

Revealed: The state pension trick that helps you get an extra £1,600 | This is Money

Also some pensioner British Expats are entitled to a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’ of up to £300, but I don’t know the details. Not all that cold in Malaysia!

JC3