scampicat

Precisely. You have ten years to save up for a passport. You may need your Helathcare today!

JLFS

I know it can be galling about the difference in prices of passports, but if that is the main gripe that people have about living in Spain, than they should count themselves lucky.

If on the other hand it is a not just a moan, but a major hardship, then perhaps a lifestyle rethink is long overdue.

Good idea, putting 4 cents in a jar everyday for the next 10 years, and the passport problem will be solved, 8 cents if you are a couple.
he he

John and Elaine

From my experience (I have been to three) they now follow the plan for the presentation and that is that. As I said NO questions at all from the floor. In fact most of you guys here would learn just about nothing.


As I said at the first meeting they did take questions.

One question I remember related to widows pensions.

I discovered that is most circumstances unless a wife is entitlement to pension in her own right, she get no pension just a small one off lump sum.

I also discovered from another Question that the dependent spouse of a retired Brit will only continue to get Spanish (NHS) care for 12 months after their spouse dies and then nothing.

If I had relied on the presentation I would not have even suspected that this might occur. As I said, I believe that questions often result in useful info on subjects which we have not even thought about.

Rather like this forum, useful info often just 'springs out.'

DWPinSpain

There are still some places available for the open event in Alhaurin el Grande this Wednesday 15th June. The event is open to all, not just to those who are resident in Alhaurin el Grande, and is a great opportunity to get up to date information and to speak to a member of staff about consular, property or social security issues. Those who wish to attend should book their place either online at http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk, or by calling 902 109 356.

If you are unable to attend this event, you can stay up to date with the latest information on pension, benefit and healthcare entitlements, as well as the work of the British Consular network in Spain, via our website (see above). On there you'll also find the Partners' Newsletter - the June edition should be out in the next couple of days - and if you have a specific question for any member of the team, you can contact us on 902 109 356

EsuriJohn

Went straight to the website and looked for the Partners Newsletter no sign just a list of Partners also nowhere to sign up for the newsletter!!

Rosemary

It is there. On the right hand side it says about pensions, benefits and healthcare, go into that and it is on the right hand side of the next page.

Rosemary

Domino

having got a new "chipped" passport, I wouldn't mind if when arriving at Stansted at 2359 along with 5 other planeloads, UKBA had the section that reads those chips open to reduce the queues. But no the one person they have there is moved to "other duties assisting with the large queue's".

Another thing about these chipped passports - if you wear glasses you must have your photo taken with them off, when you use the machine it rejects you because you are wearing glasses. No signs telling you to remove glasses.

Never mind, as they tell me every time - "we are here to protect the country's borders"

jackytoo

You have the wrong dept. this is the DWP not homeland security.

Domino

surely we use United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) - rolls of the tongue much much better than "homeland security" - an Americanism

jackytoo

Each to their own. If UKBA is said aloud it sounds like what a suicide bomber says when they blow themselves up

Domino

wouldn't you want to shout something memorable to warn all those virgins you were coming ?

Back to thread, if FCO in Spain are putting on these information tours then its a good thing because it does stir things up a little. As seen by postings on here, people are coming out here on holiday, decide after a week this is the life for them and then buy a failing coffee bar.
I know things can work out but to make a lifestyle move means planning, when the plan runs off the rails there has to be a Plan B to get back on course. It is your life and you make the best of it - with a little bit of help from friends and the FCO.

I have fond memories about Singapore - but retiring there? No Way Jose.!