What benefits am I entitled to with no NI contributions?

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

paddedjohn

You will probably need to take a habitual residence test before you would be eligible for any benefits.

shedboy94

I smell a troll.......but I'll bite.

If you have enough money to buy a property, why would you be wanting to claim benefits?

p00hsticks

As you have insufficient NI contributions you won't be eligible for comtributions based Job Seekers allowance (what you are probably thinking of when you refer to 'unemployment benefit') and if you have enough savings/capital to buy a property outright then it's very unlikely that you'd qualify for income based JSA - same goes for pretty much any other benefit.

If you will be actively looking for work here then you could sign on in order to start building up some NI contributions towards a pension, but it may not be worth it depending on your age - I beleive under the new scheme you'll need a minimum of ten years to qualify for anything.

I can't comment on the NHS questions.

paddedjohn

shedboy94 wrote: »

I smell a troll.......but I'll bite.

If you have enough money to buy a property, why would you be wanting to claim benefits?

I was going to say the same but the system doe allow you to spend all your money on somewhere to live and then be eligible to claim benefits.

terryw

Here is a link to the CAB about NHS charges for non-residents:

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

neverdespairgirl

First question - are you a British citizen, or a citizen of an EEA country?

leveller2911

willber wrote: »

errr maybe because all of their money has been spent
on buying the house?





Much the same as if you receive a substantial inheritance, you are allowed
to buy your place of residence and still claim means tested benfits as you have
no capital left.

They should rent a property and spend the remainder on supporting themselves .Lets hope those nice Condems clamped down on this loop hole.If they haven't worked here and paid in plenty of NI contributions then they should get no financial help whatsoever.

epitome

If you return to UK and buy a house and have less than £16,000 remaining you could claim JSA Income Based. But you will be subject the Habitual Residence Test (HRT) and will probably fail. So no money.

If you have less that £6000 in savings then you get full rate benefit above £6000 below £16000 you will get a tiered reduced rate benefit. Above £16000 no benefit at all.

For benefits that pay you money, it will all depend on the HRT

For other perks like NHS treatment you would need an HC1 form and anymore than that I can't comment.

jancee_2

The NHS is residence based. If you establish permanent residence you may register for NHS care with a GP. You will need to be physically present in the UK for more than six months of the year.