returning to uk

sleepy_hollow_2

hi could anyone help ,my husband an myself have been living in france for over 2 years,due to family berevment,and finances,we are know coming back to uk,we have enough money to rent for 2 months,but until we find jobs can we claim any benifits,my husband has his fall 35 years ni paid in the uk,i have about 20 years,my husband is 61 and i am 50,also how hard is it to rent if you having been living abroad,many thanks

Caz3121

to receive benefits back in the UK you will first have to pass the Habitual Residence test.

here is an example of the questions
http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/internet/Attachments/Internet/Council/Council_tax_and_finance/Council_tax/Benefits_documents/RB_Habitual%20Residence%20Enquiry%20Form.pdf


For contributions based benefits they will look at NI contributions paid April 07-09 so you are probably looking at income based.
You will need a deposit and a months rent up front and may need a guarantor there are also many landlords that will specify that they do not want housing benefit tenents

Oldernotwiser

Do you have any savings or own property in France?

sleepy_hollow_2

hi no savings but house for sale in france

krisskross

I would think that passing the habitual residency test will not be a problem. You will need GP, address, bank account etc.

As your husband is 61 I would assume you will be able to claim pension credit. Think the property in France might be ignored for a while as you are trying to sell it.

seven-day-weekend

You have been given very good advice by the above posters; may I also suggest that you visit a Benefits Advisor at the CAB who will be able to assess what Benefits you will be able to claim.

sleepy_hollow_2

thankyou for all your replys