returning to uk from time abroad

tkwad

ive been asked this question and want to give correct advice, A family member lost their job 8 years back and used redundancy money (only 9k) to rent property abroad, they took their young family with them but now with the economy as it is in spain they are needing to return to the uk as the job my family member had has stopped now....will they be able to claim any benefits on return and be eligible for council housing as they have no money and no one inc myself has property big enough to house them even short term so they are facing homelessness.....

julie03

when we came back we took the habitual test in the job centre and claimed jobseekers and we were housed in a hostel, we were not entitled to council housing but their circumstances might be different. we now private rent.

hitatotatus

You may find the information useful from this link...

http://www.turn2us.org.uk/information__resources/benefits/migrants/habitual_residence_test_hrt.aspx

Fiddlestick

tkwad wrote: »

will they be able to claim any benefits on return and be eligible for council housing as they have no money and no one inc myself has property big enough to house them even short term so they are facing homelessness.....

Will the authorities in Spain not house them since they have made their home there?

krisskross

Fiddlestick wrote: »

Will the authorities in Spain not house them since they have made their home there?

Now this did make me laugh!

tkwad

julie03 wrote: »

when we came back we took the habitual test in the job centre and claimed jobseekers and we were housed in a hostel, we were not entitled to council housing but their circumstances might be different. we now private rent.

julie03, could you tell me why you were not entitled to any council housing please?

skintandscared_2

tkwad wrote: »

julie03, could you tell me why you were not entitled to any council housing please?

I'd imagine their points put them fairly low down on the list. You do know how long the waiting lists are, don't you?

seven-day-weekend

Fiddlestick wrote: »

Will the authorities in Spain not house them since they have made their home there?

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

They don' t often house Spaniards who have lost their jobs, so not a lot of chance for foreigners!

However, if they have been paying into the system, they may be entitled to some unemployment money for a short while. They will need to ask at their nearest INSS (Social Security) Office.

They will have to pass the Habitual Residency Test when they return, to get any means-tested Benefits, and may not be entitled to Council housing. All they can do is try.
http://www.housing-rights.info/habitual-residence-test.html

julie03

have pm'd you tkwad

tkwad

many thanks for all your help and replies