baz259

Hi all, I am not sure if I can put this question with out being labeled a racist or bigot but here goes, if I return to the UK will I be eligible to the same benefits/grants as a immigrant from another country. I have heard I will have to wait six months before I can apply for any benefits/grants, does anyone know the rules.
Baz

mikelincs

depends on the benefit, housing and council tax are available from day 1, others may have time rules, disability certainly does unless, of course, you are already receiving it, but even then you may be re assesed as rules have changed. Not sure about employment as we returned as pensioners.

lynnxa

I know a married couple in their late 50s who recently went back - they expected everything to be handed to them

they are now living with in-laws, and getting 'a few quid' a week

Domino

problem for someone of working age returning to the UK is that they will have to jump the hurdle marked "Intentionally unemployed" because at some point you will have had to give up a job, in the uk to go to sp or in sp to go to uk.

then if you have any money, in excess of £8k or £16k dependent on the benefit, which may include an unsold house in sp, you will not be entitled.

may I suggest you have a good read of
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTax...fits/index.htm
and try the online benefits calculator at
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Diol1/Do...gory/DG_172666

It seems so easy that peoples from other countries just dump themselves in UK and get £thousands in benefits and support. It isnt always like that, but then they may be seen to have less than you.

sri can't help much further
rgds

snikpoh

Whilst I agree and think this is the right thing, I know of many who have gone back, kept their property in Spain as a holiday home and have claimed all the benefits they can get.

One particular couple still use their Spanish home for multiple holidays yet are able to claim every benefit possible in UK!!! They also rent out their Spanish property when they can!!! Grrrrrrr!

jackytoo

That is because they have not told the truth...it is benefit fraud

Domino

I have understood they don't count the value of the property you use as your primary residence but do count any additional property. Or not if you don't tell them about it.

with the collapsible walls between govt depts nowadays they are able to make links between different claims.
when working in that area last year I found that local council tax depts have been known to carry out check against the electoral roll when people are claiming the single persons credit for CT.

I know of one "couple" who officially live apart, he has his name on the ER at another place on the other side of town, but they live together as man and wife 24/7. That way she gets the single parent benefits and they have a good living with his earnings.

many people are not on the Electoral Roll as a consequence of the Poll Tax, as it was seen as a way to check how many adults were living in a property.
I know that may be mis-use of the ER but it can and does happen as the ER is publically available.

presumably retaining a property in SP is a good example of tax evasion rather than tax avoidance. But its not in the uk guv !

twistedmelon

No one here has a comprehensive knowledge of the benefit system in the UK at this time and it is impossible to generalise as each persons circumstances are different as to your eligibility.
Why don't you phone the DWP or go online and get it from those who know directly?
You could also speak to them about any concerns you have regarding immigrant claimants.

snikpoh

What about "DWPinSpain" - he should know if anyone does

Fred James

Yes he does but I doubt that checking this forum is high on his priorities!

HBG

From what I've heard, and everybody seems to be talking about it around here, nobody tells the absolute truth when applying, or even anywhere near it.

I know of people running businesses here in Spain and they're in receipt of all sorts of allowances from the UK, and have even brought their free 'mobility' cars over from England, one's got a seven-seater with which he does airport runs.

scampicat

Healthcare you can have straight away, just register with a Dr.

As regards means-tested Benefits, you will have to pass the Habitual Tesidency Test( the same as anyone else who has lived out of the country). You will need to demonstrate that you have come to the UK to live for the forseeable future. This can be proved by showing a rental/mortgage agreement, having a job offer, signing on to the electoral roll, opening a bank account etc. Basically you have to be able to show that you have not just come to the UK IN ORDER TO claim Benefits.

It is possible, although unusual, for a returning Brit to fail the HRT. In this case you WILL have to wait six months for means-tested Benefits.

scampicat

It is possible quite legitimately to claim certain sickness/disability Benefits whilst living in the EU (although not mobility allowance).

twistedmelon

If anyone knows of Benefit Fraud here please report it to the DWP fraud line.
However, be sure to have your facts right as it may cause a heap of misery if incorrect.
Likewise report those if you know of anyone working and not declaring income for tax evasion

jackytoo

Seems as if it will be a free for all anyway.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-15120522