Hi,
A member of my family is considering moving to Spain - probably permenantly due to ill health. They are in receipt of Incapacity Benefit (& Income Support/housing benefit etc). They have tried to get the correct information from the DWP before making any final decisions. Their question is can they receive this benefit if they decide to declare themselves as a ‘resident’ of another EAA (EU) country? (I.e Spain in this case). They understand they will loose all other benefits - but I remember someone, somewhere being able to legally do this. I think there is a clause such as - if you choose to become a permenant resident of that other country -after 6 months - you loose all entitlement to any benefits should you choose/need to return to the UK in the future. (For whatever reason). They will still give you the forms entitling you to health care in the reciprocal EU country, but should you ever wish to return to the UK - you are ‘no longer eligible’. Sounds OK if you seriously want to reside in a warmer clime, have access to the local health system AND RECEIVE your 80 odd quid a week - but on the understanding that you can never claim if you return to the UK.
(I sort of equate it to the pension that is paid overseas, except I am sure you can still get that if you return to the UK - unlike this clause).
Any info welcome.
SJ
PS - I read with interest Robbies post on benefit defauders being hunted down in Valencia. Hence my family members wish to do everything ‘above board’.
pps - we have tried the DWP - but without success.
