Returning to UK after 7 months abroad and Universal Credit

Astrevea

Hi everyone, I have been abroad for 6 months and 1 week to be precise and returning to UK in a few days. I did a quick search here and looked at other sources of information as well and didn't find the answer. How many months will I need to wait before I am eligible to apply if I am still unemployed by then? I would really appreciate if somebody could provide the answer. Thanks.

huckster

Depends.  You would need to go through the Habitual residency Test process and provide the information required.

Read through the CAB info on this.

Getting benefits if you’ve recently moved to the UK - Citizens Advice

Astrevea

Thanks huckster, I have read this article before and also some other articles including the info on Turn2Us website. My understanding is that in the worst case I will have to wait for 3 months, but I could also be eligible straight away when I return, depending on how long I had been abroad before the last 6-7 months and whether I can somehow prove that I am intending to stay in UK for a significant amount of time. I have read that this HRT is quite subjective. 

Anyone got any more knowledge about this, perhaps someone has been in such situation?

calcotti

Your course is simply to apply. The worst that can happen is you are refused for a period.

Muttleythefrog

Agree with above advice.... simply apply and then for the HRT provide information and evidence requested. I would think about evidence that points to you moving back here permanently/long term. and get your administrative affairs in order like getting GP sorted and bank addresses.

huckster

I dealt with a case recently, where a UK passport holder had been out of the UK quite a lot over the last 2 years.  And they claimed within a month of returning to the UK and advised that they would be working in UK for at least 6 months, before they looked to go travelling again. They passed the HRT test, so were able to claim UC,

Younger claimants in particular, where they only come back to the UK, so they can earn enough, so they can go off exploring the world again, don't appear to have a problem claiming. 

But each case is based on the individuals situation, so it is best to claim, provide all information they request and then wait for the decision to be advised in the Universal Credit journal.

Astrevea

Thanks for responses everyone. I will just apply. In terms of GP and bank addresses, I am registered with a GP and already booked an phone appointment with them for Saturday for a repeat prescription for some medication which I started taking while abroad. On Friday I will also be signing a tenancy agreement for 6 months. I have rented from this person before and the minimum he does is 6 months. I don't know if it's required by law or not and I don't really care, but hopefully it will have a an effect on the outcome of the test.