What are the steps?
Apr 15th 2016, 9:17 pm
#1
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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6
What are the steps?
I was born and brought up in UK and all of my family are still there. I have been living in Canada for 30 years but I am considering moving back to UK.
Where do I start in re-establishing my British status? Can I simply just move back and look for work etc? How do I reactivate my national insurance number, health card etc. Would I be eligible for benefits while I'm looking for work etc?
I haven't renewed my British Passport in years, I suppose that is a good place to start.
Any tips or advice would be welcome.
Thank you!
Where do I start in re-establishing my British status? Can I simply just move back and look for work etc? How do I reactivate my national insurance number, health card etc. Would I be eligible for benefits while I'm looking for work etc?
I haven't renewed my British Passport in years, I suppose that is a good place to start.
Any tips or advice would be welcome.
Thank you!
Last edited by Suzi Jones; Apr 15th 2016 at 9:21 pm.
Apr 15th 2016, 9:41 pm
#2
Joined: Dec 2001
Location: Dixie, ex UK
Posts: 52,448
Re: What are the steps?
.... How do I reactivate my national insurance number ....
.... Would I be eligible for benefits while I'm looking for work etc? ....
.... I haven't renewed my British Passport in years, I suppose that is a good place to start.
....
....
Last edited by Pulaski; Apr 15th 2016 at 10:03 pm.
Apr 15th 2016, 10:03 pm
#3
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Joined: Apr 2016
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Re: What are the steps?
YesIt was never deactivated. You have no benefit eligibility for the first three months.
Yes. .... You have to do it on-line - ALL British passports are now issued in the UK. You can pay with a debit or credit card, but will need to mail passport photos. Start here. Because you haven't had a passport in such a long time it will be processed as a first-time passport application, so will take a couple of weeks longer - allow 6-8 weeks.
You have no benefit eligibility for the first three months.Yes. .... You have to do it on-line - ALL British passports are now issued in the UK. You can pay with a debit or credit card, but will need to mail passport photos. Start here. Because you haven't had a passport in such a long time it will be processed as a first-time passport application, so will take a couple of weeks longer - allow 6-8 weeks.
Apr 16th 2016, 12:55 am
#4
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Joined: May 2010
Location: San Diego, California
Posts: 9,662
Re: What are the steps?
You may not be eligible for any benefits dependent on your circumstances. Singles, without any family commitments, are usually at the bottom of the list when it comes to benefits - especially if they have any assets.
You would need to be assessed at the relevant agency.
You would need to be assessed at the relevant agency.
Apr 16th 2016, 10:46 am
#6
Was in Canada, now home.
Joined: Aug 2011
Location: Devon
Posts: 3,388
Re: What are the steps?
If you are still out of work after 3 months, you will be entitled to Job Seekers Allowance, and other benefits, depending on your circumstances.
There is a benefits calculator here.
You will be entitled to NHS care from the moment you arrive. Don't worry about not having your NHS number. The doctor's practice that you register with will be able to trace it for you.
There is a benefits calculator here.
You will be entitled to NHS care from the moment you arrive. Don't worry about not having your NHS number. The doctor's practice that you register with will be able to trace it for you.
Last edited by Editha; Apr 16th 2016 at 10:49 am.
Apr 16th 2016, 11:22 am
#7
Was in Canada, now home.
Joined: Aug 2011
Location: Devon
Posts: 3,388
Re: What are the steps?
Amending my last post: The benefit system is changing, and the new scheme is called Universal Credit. Depending on when you claim, and where you settle (since the new scheme is being trialled in some parts of the country) you may be assessed for Universal Credit, rather than JSA etc. You'll get more information from the benefit calculator I linked to.
Apr 16th 2016, 5:18 pm
#8
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Joined: Apr 2016
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Re: What are the steps?
Amending my last post: The benefit system is changing, and the new scheme is called Universal Credit. Depending on when you claim, and where you settle (since the new scheme is being trialled in some parts of the country) you may be assessed for Universal Credit, rather than JSA etc. You'll get more information from the benefit calculator I linked to.
Apr 16th 2016, 5:18 pm
#9
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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6
Re: What are the steps?
If you are still out of work after 3 months, you will be entitled to Job Seekers Allowance, and other benefits, depending on your circumstances.
There is a benefits calculator here.
You will be entitled to NHS care from the moment you arrive. Don't worry about not having your NHS number. The doctor's practice that you register with will be able to trace it for you.
There is a benefits calculator here.
You will be entitled to NHS care from the moment you arrive. Don't worry about not having your NHS number. The doctor's practice that you register with will be able to trace it for you.
Apr 21st 2016, 4:45 am
#10
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Joined: Apr 2009
Location: SW Ontario
Posts: 19,879
Re: What are the steps?
Welcome to BE! 
Could I just add to the excellent advice you have already been given? If you don't already have Canadian Citizenship I would strongly advise applying, that way you can keep your options open should you decide at some point that you wished to return.
Best of luck with your move!
PS we also have a Canada forum if you have any questions about what you might need to do if you decide to leave - do feel free to pop by! Canada - British Expats
Could I just add to the excellent advice you have already been given? If you don't already have Canadian Citizenship I would strongly advise applying, that way you can keep your options open should you decide at some point that you wished to return.
Best of luck with your move!
PS we also have a Canada forum if you have any questions about what you might need to do if you decide to leave - do feel free to pop by! Canada - British Expats
Apr 21st 2016, 2:45 pm
#11
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,294
Re: What are the steps?
Plus some are a two years wait.
The income based benefits for working age claimants have a cut off of 16k in savings, capital, including equity in property that you don't live in and any land.
The income based benefits for working age claimants have a cut off of 16k in savings, capital, including equity in property that you don't live in and any land.
Last edited by formula; Apr 21st 2016 at 2:49 pm.
Apr 21st 2016, 2:51 pm
#12
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,294
Re: What are the steps?
Job seeking claimants are better off on UC as there is no cliff edge drop in benefits as there is with JSA when they find work. UC is a monthy payment.
It's not a lot of money but at least JSA and the jobseeking part of UC, is the only benefit ringfenced from the welfare cuts. UK State Pension is the other one that is ringfenced, if you can call that a welfare payment now that it is based on contributions.
Last edited by formula; Apr 21st 2016 at 3:15 pm.
Apr 24th 2016, 5:03 pm
#13
Just Joined
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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6
Re: What are the steps?
Welcome to BE!
Could I just add to the excellent advice you have already been given? If you don't already have Canadian Citizenship I would strongly advise applying, that way you can keep your options open should you decide at some point that you wished to return.
Best of luck with your move!
PS we also have a Canada forum if you have any questions about what you might need to do if you decide to leave - do feel free to pop by! Canada - British Expats
Could I just add to the excellent advice you have already been given? If you don't already have Canadian Citizenship I would strongly advise applying, that way you can keep your options open should you decide at some point that you wished to return.
Best of luck with your move!
PS we also have a Canada forum if you have any questions about what you might need to do if you decide to leave - do feel free to pop by! Canada - British Expats
Apr 24th 2016, 5:06 pm
#14
Just Joined
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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6
Re: What are the steps?
UC seems to have got to the point where nearly all claimants without children are on that and some with children are already on it.
Job seeking claimants are better off on UC as there is no cliff edge drop in benefits as there is with JSA when they find work. UC is a monthy payment.
It's not a lot of money but at least JSA and the jobseeking part of UC, is the only benefit ringfenced from the welfare cuts. UK State Pension is the other one that is ringfenced, if you can call that a welfare payment now that it is based on contributions.
Job seeking claimants are better off on UC as there is no cliff edge drop in benefits as there is with JSA when they find work. UC is a monthy payment.
It's not a lot of money but at least JSA and the jobseeking part of UC, is the only benefit ringfenced from the welfare cuts. UK State Pension is the other one that is ringfenced, if you can call that a welfare payment now that it is based on contributions.
