Benefit entitlements having lived overseas?

UKBOUND

Hi, I've worked overseas most of my working life, and basically have paid virtually no NI contributions. I will be buying a property in the UK outright this Summer.
Am I entitled to any benefits if I now decide to live in UK, such as NHS or if unemployment benefit?
And what about if I still only visit the UK and not reside, in terms of NHS and visiting a GP?
Which website would explain things clearly for me please?
Any help really appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
UKBOUND:)

geordie_joe

UKBOUND wrote: »

Hi, I've worked overseas most of my working life, and basically have paid virtually no NI contributions. I will be buying a property in the UK outright this Summer.

You've made virtually no contributions, you have enough cash to buy a property outright and you want benefits!

InsideInsurance

The NHS is only for residents and so if you are only visiting the UK then the fact you are a british citizen (presumably) doesnt give you automatic rights to use the services.

Same as any visitor, you would receive emergency treatment for free but any non-emergency, followup, ongoing care etc would be paid for by you either to the NHS or to a private provider of your choice.

Of cause if you are now a resident of another EU country then you may be entitled to get an EHIC card from your country of residence which then would entitle you to NHS services under that scheme.


Benefits arent worth commenting on if you are cash buying a home

tuttifruiti20

If you are buying your own home you won't qualify for help with rent or anything like that and council tax benefit no longer exists either I believe so you'll have to pay that yourself plus any mortgage where applicable.

You should be able to use the NHS services if you move back to the UK as they don't actively check at the hospital you've paid NI contributions or whatever.

terryw

tuttifruiti20 wrote: »

If you are buying your own home you won't qualify for help with rent or anything like that and council tax benefit no longer exists either I believe so you'll have to pay that yourself plus any mortgage where applicable.

You should be able to use the NHS services if you move back to the UK as they don't actively check at the hospital you've paid NI contributions or whatever.

CTB has been replaced by Council Tax Reduction which is still a means-tested benefit. Here's a link:

https://www.gov.uk/council-tax-reduction

The right to hospital treatment under the NHS does not depend upon N.I. contributions, but questions are indeed asked to establish if payment has to be made. Here's a link:

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/nireland/healthcare_ni/healthcare_help_with_health_costs_e/nhs_charges_for_people_from_abroad.htm#Howhospitalsdecidewhoshouldpay

Pollycat

This has already been posted on the Benefits board:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4624119=