ESA when living abroad

seven-day-weekend

My husband paid tax on his Teachers Pension to the UK all the time we lived in Spain, and I was liable for UK tax on the rental income from our house.

We were also registered as non-resident voters, therefore on the electoral roll.

We got our medical care from Spain.

My husband received Incapacity Benefit from the UK, (a much reduced amount because of his Teachers' Pension) and went through the usual checks whilst in Spain, such as filling in questionnaires and having medicals (in Spain with a DWP-approved Doctor). He claimed this prior to leaving the UK.

Hope this helps.

FBaby

There is a difference between eligibility for nhs treatment and eligibility to benefits. It is indeed the case that the nhs is tightening up its rule of UK nationals living abroad and wanting to come back for nhs treatment in England. It is not new, some trusts have always done the checks and followed the rules, but some didn't bother. They now do.

OP, if you are reading this, in light of your medical complaints, have you insured that you are covered in Spain? Are you aware that you would not be eligible to routine NHS treatment, only emergency if you are in the UK on holiday?

clemmatis

FBaby wrote: »

There is a difference between eligibility for nhs treatment and eligibility to benefits. It is indeed the case that the nhs is tightening up its rule of UK nationals living abroad and wanting to come back for nhs treatment in England.

In fact, ex-pats are to be given guaranteed access to NHS care if they've paid 10 years NI in total. In general, though, indeed, the government is going to try to get Trusts to try to claim back all the money owed by those "from abroad", and it's thinking of trying to get GPs to levy the charges they can already levy.

(Parva, how are you? You seem to post rarely, these days.)

Dunroamin

FBaby wrote: »

There is a difference between eligibility for nhs treatment and eligibility to benefits. It is indeed the case that the nhs is tightening up its rule of UK nationals living abroad and wanting to come back for nhs treatment in England. It is not new, some trusts have always done the checks and followed the rules, but some didn't bother. They now do.

OP, if you are reading this, in light of your medical complaints, have you insured that you are covered in Spain? Are you aware that you would not be eligible to routine NHS treatment, only emergency if you are in the UK on holiday?

If the OP has been claiming IB then she'll be eligible for healthcare within the Spanish system and they'll then issue her the Spanish equivalent of the EHIC which gives her the right to NHS treatment if visiting the UK, or reciprocal healthcare in any other EU country.

LadyCava

Hi...have been following posts albeit not posted myself after some really nasty comments, but as there are some sensitive and helpful people out there I thought I'd reply. I receive healthcare under Catalan system and quite rightly can access emergency service only in UK. I am not a fiscal resident of Spain and therefore pay tax on ESA and private pension combined as DLA is exempt. I am not on 'handouts' as one fool said, but receive benefits based on my previous input into the UK system and the severity of my disabilities (no, not just a 'bad back'!). So many thanks to those people who have responded who clearly understand the reciprocal system, but the nature of my disabilities too. I am much obliged.

serenity2012

Brassedoff wrote: »

If true, this is disgusting! I am writing to my MP now. Quite frankly I don't give a stuff what anyone's paid in, leave the UK, lose any and every benefit and that goes for pensioners too.

You chose to live in Spain and when in Rome!

Absolutely agree. If the OP doesn't want to live in the UK they shouldn't be entitled to benefits here. I'm shocked that they have the cheek to ask for help regarding it. Look how the posts turned from asking for help to slating members here. The countries not good enough to live in but you still want its money? Get a job over in Spain or get them to pay you. Cheek!

seven-day-weekend

serenity2012 wrote: »

Absolutely agree. If the OP doesn't want to live in the UK they shouldn't be entitled to benefits here. I'm shocked that they have the cheek to ask for help regarding it. Look how the posts turned from asking for help to slating members here. The countries not good enough to live in but you still want its money? Get a job over in Spain or get them to pay you. Cheek!

Whether you agree with it or not, the fact remains that there are UK Benefits (not means-tested ones), that you can claim whilst living in the EU, providing you fulfil the criteria. These are European laws, not UK ones. The OP is asking about a Benefit she is entitled to.

Dunroamin

serenity2012 wrote: »

Absolutely agree. If the OP doesn't want to live in the UK they shouldn't be entitled to benefits here. I'm shocked that they have the cheek to ask for help regarding it. Look how the posts turned from asking for help to slating members here. The countries not good enough to live in but you still want its money? Get a job over in Spain or get them to pay you. Cheek!

It really would be cheek to expect a country where you'd never contributed to pay your benefits - look at the way people complain about outsiders to the UK who come here and claim without contributing.

I'm amazed that someone could object to anybody who pays UK income tax currently or in the past receiving benefits and then say it's fine for those who contribute nothing (and may never have done so in the past) to receive something. How on earth is that fair?

seven-day-weekend

Dunroamin wrote: »

It really would be cheek to expect a country where you'd never contributed to pay your benefits - look at the way people complain about outsiders to the UK who come here and claim without contributing.

I'm amazed that someone could object to anybody who pays UK income tax currently or in the past receiving benefits and then say it's fine for those who contribute nothing (and may never have done so in the past) to receive something. How on earth is that fair?

I really wish I'd said that, Dunroamin

Parva

LadyCava wrote: »

I joined this site to ask people for assistance, not for abusive, negative downright ignorant and prejudiced views by folk who clearly have nothing better to do than stalk people in need to vent their spleen.

To 'stalk' someone suggests that you have been followed before. We all know this is the case anyway Andy, please do carry out your threat of trolling elsewhere.