State benefits 'available for expats'

Tuesday February 3rd , 2009

British expats abroad must check to see if there are eligible for any state benefits, it has been claimed.

According to overseas property website shelteroffshore.com, expats can claim a number of allowances, such as pensions and those for winter fuel and heating.

The most important benefits are pensions and the website states that "very little changes" when people of retirement age move abroad.

However, depending on your destination, your pension may be capped from your date of departure, meaning it will not rise in line with inflation.

Winter fuel and heating allowances are available to those who are retired in countries such as Spain, France and Cyprus, although only those over the age of 60 who were claiming it before they moved abroad are eligible.

Another piece of assistance is the fact that Job Seekers Allowance can be paid for up to three months to those who move within Europe and register with a local job centre.

Meanwhile, a British woman who moved in Spain three years ago has spoken of her determination not to move back to the UK.

Helen Rigby, who lives in the town of Andalusia with her partner, told the Times that she is expanding her business and letting rooms in her house to stay in the country.
ADNFCR-1210-ID-19006199-ADNFCR