Returning to the UK
 

Hi there,
I have been living in the Netherlands for 24 years now as a monastic. We have private insurance as we are a contemplative monastery and do not work in the world.
I am thinking of moving back to the UK to do voluntary work. My question is will I be entitled to any benefits like a pension in the future ? I am a semi invalid, though to look at me you couldn't tell.

Thanks in advance
Anthia

Re: Returning to the UK
 

Did you build anything up in the UK prior to coming to NL?
Have you built up any kind of social security benefits in NL during your time here?
If you are registered as resident in NL (under normal rules) you would have built up certain entitlements under the NL social security even with no income.
Do you have a BSN or DIGI-D?

You say "private insurance", I presume that refers to health only.

No Pension arrangements?

Re: Returning to the UK
 

Hey thanks for replying.
I think I worked 6 months prior to joining monastery. I don't think I built up any kind of social security, I also do not have any right to work officially here. I am registered, I have a BSN and a Digid number.
Does that give you enough info ?

Re: Returning to the UK
 

Pension Credit - which is means-tested. This does not depend on contributions but is age-related. You may also qualify for a range of disability benefits such as Attendance Allowance.

Get a check from a competent Welfare Rights Source.

Here is one potential source - https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/

Re: Returning to the UK
 

If you worked in UK you will have an NI number.
Using that you can make enquiries in UK.
Please note that the whole benefits system in UK is on it's head and undergoing major changes. It's a minefield, especially for the disabled unfortunately.

In NL, with your BSN/DIGI-D you can go to "mijnoverheid.nl" and check out the various government agencies (like SVB) and establish your status and what you have built up during your time in NL (if anything).

The results of these enquiries should help you decide whether a move back to UK is prudent.

Re: Returning to the UK
 

Hey thanks,
I did go to 'mijnoverheid" and learnt a lot there. It seems I have built up 48% of my old age pension and am entitled to it if I return to my country of birth. There's one snag though, the countries listed does not include the UK !
So my next move is to get in touch with them and see what is really going on. Of course Brexit is not going to make things any easier.

Thanks for you help till now.

Re: Returning to the UK
 

UK should be no problem, just the question of where it will be taxed pre and post-Brexit.

Re: Returning to the UK
 

So I got through to the SVB and they confirmed that I would still be eligible in 19 years for the pension that has been built up here.

Thank you so much for directing in the right direction !!

Re: Returning to the UK
 

You may get other benefits on top of this. Worth checking with a welfare rights specialist.

Re: Returning to the UK
 

Remember subject to your age. you may have to wait until you are 67 before any UK pension is paid.