jacks50p

Hoping it's ok to ask this question. Could we live on 28,000 (possibly 35,00 but still unsure wether I would get spousal benefits in uk). Not a lot but it's all we would receive inbthe US if we stayed. We don't own a home that we could sell so we would be renting in the UK as well. Anything would be appreciated.

spouse of scouse

Hi - of course it's ok to ask! How far your money would stretch very much depends on where you plan to live, there's enormous variation in the cost of rental housing, and following that, what sort of lifestyle you seek. But in very general terms, your income would be fine for two people.

If you feel comfortable sharing a bit more detail about where in the UK you plan to live then we should be able to offer you advice that's more specific to you. Planning's fun isn't it?

jacks50p

Spouse of Scouse, thank you, that is encouraging. My sisters live in Birmingham, dad in the Cotswolds. I want to be able to walk to the supermarket and have local transport, my hubby is a crazy mountain biker and we will be shipping our 2017 Harly over. We can't go until 2022/2023 when we retire he will be 67, I will be 64. At this moment in time still fit and healthy no issues. We made this decision just a week ago.....best Christmas present EVER. I have been here 10 years and have never settled.

SanDiegogirl

28K or 35K what? US dollars or UK pounds? Huge difference in the currencies. .......

jacks50p

Oh yes SanDiegogirl, pounds, that's at today's rate of course, it could change by then.

spouse of scouse

Hey, we're the same age :-) Obviously you'll find rentals cheaper in Birmingham compared to the Cotswolds, to start getting an idea of areas and prices have a look at Rightmove and Zoopla.

Is your husband a UK citizen too?

Edit: I've just had a look at your previous posts - SanDiegogirl gave you some information of sponsoring your US husband, it's good that you'll be able to meet the income requirement! Do have a look at the cost of the visa application fees and the International Health Service (IHS) fees, they're not insubstantial unfortunately. Your husband would need to apply for an entry visa initially, then a Further Leave to Remain visa at 2.5 years, then Indefinite Leave to Remain at 5 years. After that he can apply for citizenship and would no longer have to pay the IHS fees.

SanDiegogirl

Would suggest you Google 'rightmove' in the UK and input Birmingham to see price of rentals in the area:

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/property...irmingham.html

As said, where you want to live will have a substantial impact on cost of rentals. 28K for two in the UK is not a large amount to live on but is doable.

jacks50p

I know we would be getting 35,000 for sure by staying in the US but that wouldn't get us anywhere either. I am so unhappy here I would rather be poor and happier backer home I think.

durham_lad

jacks50p

Social Security....I will have worked for 14 years here in the US but claiming off his is more than I would recieve. I'm not sure if I would still get it once returning to the UK?????

SanDiegogirl

Check with your SS office, but as far as I understand it your SS payments will continue no matter where you live.

durham_lad

Absolutely, no doubt about that.

My wife and I will be applying for our SS in a few years and we fully expect the spousal benefit to apply here just as in the USA. Her SS is less than half mine but should be boosted up to meet half of mine. When one of us dies the spouse will get the higher of the 2 benefits so if I die first then she will stop getting her SS amount and get mine instead.

jacks50p

As long as your a citizen right?

durham_lad

Even non-citizens are entitled to SS benefits while living abroad. Since your husband is also a USC I'm pretty sure you will be eligible to spousal benefits also.

https://www.investopedia.com/advisor...onus-citizens/

SSA has a Q&A page to determine if you are eligible.
https://www.ssa.gov/international/pa...outsideUS.html
For non-US citizens living abroad it is summarised as