Rules about visting USA while on disability benefits?

md733

I'm planning to visit the US with my partner later this year, but I'm worried about the security process and being asked about our occupation, income etc for the VISA. My partner is disabled and receives PIP and I'm his carer. It's not really a holiday, just visiting friends. I'm wondering if there are any specific rules about travelling on benefits...all I know is that you can't stay over a certain amount of time.

I've heard of people being asked about their work and income and how much money they've brought with them. How much money do they expect someone to bring on a one week visit? Will I have to show actual bank statements and/or proof of our benefits or something? We're both quite young (early 20s) and my partner doesn't really 'look' disabled aside from a walking cane so I'm worried they will be suspicious in some way.

GlasweJen

You need to declare if you're bringing more than $10,000 into the country. If you have a British passport and a clean criminal record you apply for an ESTA which is an electronic visa. The process is really easy and I've never been questioned about money, just asked what hotel we're staying at, how long for, why are we visiting etc.

Silvertabby

.....and you must both have adequate travel and health insurance.

IAmWales

Do you require a visa or do you qualify for the visa waiver/ ESTA scheme?

md733

We have the new passports, so ESTA I think? (Got the little circle rectangle symbol on the front.)
How do I sort out health insurance? I have an EHIC card. Or is it just included in travel insurance?

KxMx

EHIC card is useless as USA is not in Europe.

Some travel insurance includes medial cover, some doesn't, so you will need to research this with providers.

Am assuming your partner has pre existing conditions so the process to purchase for him is likely to be more complex & expensive.

With pre existing conditions it's usually​ better to go through things on the phone with providers, rather that purchase wholly online.

Silvertabby

KxMx is right - your partner needs specialist medical insurance to cover any eventuality. Don't skimp on your own, either - you would need cover for your own additional expenses should your partner be hospitalised for any reason.

Please don't take the risk of going without proper insurance - just tripping over a kerb and breaking an ankle (you or him) could cost you several £Ks.

teddysmum

Going by tv programmes about immigration control in the UK ,Australia etc,they appear to ask how much money you have if they suspect that you are not really on holiday. For instance , a man had just £200 for a month's holiday here, so the authorities were very suspicious that he intended to illegally work to keep himself or just disappear.

Muttleythefrog

Agree with above... might also as general point be worth getting a 'letter of invitation' if you are staying outwith say a formally booked hotel or the like that you can evidence with booking receipts etc. It's something I've always created when receiving foreign visitors to show they will be accommodated for the intended period of stay in the country.. what the general plans are including if they intend to meet you at airport.. and full contact details. I've always advised such visitors to have recent bank statement showing they have access to 'sufficient funds' for their stay. That way they have both proof of where they will be staying and general intention of visit, they have evidence it can be funded, and with your return ticket evidence you intend to leave at the end of your visit.

nannytone_2

i went to florida with my family last year and was asked how much money i had with me

jeanmd

I go almost every year to see my son and grandchildren. I am quite often asked how many dollers I have. This is to make sure you have enough for your time in the US.
Make sure you have adequate travel insurance - Martin gives plenty of advices in the travel section on here.
I have never been asked what I do for a living - I am carer to my husband who isn't well enough to travel.
You need to complete ESTA's for you both. They cost $14 each, but do make sure that you get it from the official site. https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/application.html?execution=e1s1
Make sure you fill in the pre-disclosure details on your flight operators website before you go.

Further details about how it affects your benefits are here. https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/going-abroad