benefits for expats living in spain

7/28/2019 Benefits For Expats Living In Spain

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UK And Spanish Benefits In Spain For ExpatsUK And Spanish Benefits In Spain For Expats

As a greater number of UK nationals are considering the option to

move abroad to countries such as Spain, it proves wise to take a

look at some of the benefits they can expect to receive. For sake

of clarity, we will split this article up into two sections the first

regarding what domestic UK benefits can be maintained, and the

second section covering what Spanish benefits are available for

those who choose to live in Spain permanently.

What Benefits am I Entitled to When Living in Spain?

As it may take some time to attain Spanish residency, the first main

question is, what UK benefits entitlement can you expect when

living in Spain?

Can I Receive a UK Pension in Spain?

As many who will migrate to Spain are retirees, it is important to

note that the UK basic state pension is available in Spain. It should

be noted that this applies only if one has lived but not worked in Spain. However, if one may have worked in Spain

previously, the pension must be applied for through the Instituto Nacional de Seguridad Social (the Spanish equivalent of

the Social Security Administration).

Can I Get Disability Benefit in Spain?

Another important factor is that one is also able t o receive Disability Living Allowance in Spain. This amount can be

between 20.50 and 131.50 per week. This is unique in Spain as it c an be applied whether one is currently working or

not.

Note: From the 8th April 2013, Disability Living Allowance will be replaced by the Personal Independence Payment.

Further information can be found at https://www.gov.uk/dla-disability-living-allowance-benefit

Can I Get Child Benefits From the UK if I Live in Spain?

In many cases a UK citizen is entitled to receive child benefit in Spain as long as the child is below 16 years of age (20

years if they are continuing their education).

If you already receive a form of child benefit in the country in which you are living and it is less than the UK child benefit,

this can be topped up to match the UK child benefit.

It is also worth noting that if you are leaving the UK temporarily for up to 8 weeks, your child benefit will not be affected

and you will not need to inform HMRC.

If you are leaving the UK for more than 52 weeks then you may still qualify for child benefit and may be dependent on

whether you are going to be living in an EEA country or whether you are already receiving UK national insurance related

benefit.

Other rules also apply and depend on where you live and work. If you are in any doubt, please contact HMRC for

clarification. For further information, please visit the HMRC page at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/childbenefit/start/who-

qualifies/live-work-abroad.htm

Can I Receive Unemployment Benefit While Living in Spain?

Acc ording to the UKs Foreign Commonwealth offic e, unemployment benefits can only be c laimed if one has been
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/childbenefit/start/who-qualifies/live-work-abroad.htmhttp://www.hmrc.gov.uk/childbenefit/start/who-qualifies/live-work-abroad.htmhttp://www.dwp.gov.uk/policy/disability/personal-independence-payment/http://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/expat-tips/176-uk-and-spanish-benefits-in-spain-for-expats.htmlhttp://www.hmrc.gov.uk/childbenefit/start/who-qualifies/live-work-abroad.htmhttps://www.gov.uk/dla-disability-living-allowance-benefithttp://www.dwp.gov.uk/policy/disability/personal-independence-payment/http://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/expat-tips/177-uk-and-spanish-pensions-when-living-in-spain.htmlhttp://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/expat-tips/176-uk-and-spanish-benefits-in-spain-for-expats.html


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working in Spain and paying tax contributions. The necessary forms can be found at any employment office in Spain,

and one should also state any prior contributions that may have been paid in the UK.

Can I Receive UK Tax Credits When Living in Spain?

There are a few conditions where this is possible. If you are either a Crown servant working abroad or a cross-border

worker, tax credits may be possible. Alternatively , if you are currently receiving a state pension or have a child under 16

(20 if in university ), you may also be able to claim. More detailed information including individual stipulations can be

found atwww.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits/start/who-qualifies/not-in-uk/live-out-of-UK.htm .

What Other Benefits Can I Expect to Receive?

You can qualify for statutory sick pay if you have been off work for more than 4 days and this pay is provided by your

employer. This must be applied for before leaving the UK and will provide financial assistance for up to 28 weeks.

Statutory maternity pay is also a possibility however, once again this pay must be applied for before leaving the UK at

least 15 weeks before a mother is due to give birth. An employer is legally obliged to write within 28 days to confirm the

approval. Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) is unavailable if your stay is permanent. It would then fall under the Spanish

contribution-based sys tem, as we will see shortly. A winter fuel allowance is available for those UK expats in Spain

currently receiving a pension. A downloadable form is provided at www.direct.uk.gov.

Which UK Benefits am I Unable to Receive in Spain?

There are a number of UK benefits that you cannot apply for under any circumstances when living in Spain. These

include, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, Pension Credit, Income Support and Means-Tested Incapacity Benefit.

What are Some Spanish Contribution-Based Benefits?

Working in Spain provides additional benefits for the UK national, and we will take a brief look at the four most common

benefits to receive.

Unemployment Benefits

These benefits can be claimed if you have been working in Spain. As long as you have been paying contributions (tax

and social security) to the Spanish government, you will be entitled to receive these benefits . However, the time period

you may have had to work before qualifying for these benefits may vary, so it is best to consult the local Spanish

employment office to learn more.

Disability Benefits

This benefit follows the same rules as the unemployment benefits listed above. Additionally, any previous contributions

should also be stated while you lived in the UK. An application for a statement of National Insurance Contributions from

HM Revenue & Customs should be obtained to assist with this claim.

Spanish Pensions

If you have lived and worked in Spain, you will be able to claim a Spanish pension is you have been a resident for at least

ten years between the ages of 16 and pension age, and are over 65 when filing for the claim and have a low income.

Note that the last two years of employment must be directly prior to filing for this benefit.

Means Tested Benefits

This claim will be approved if you have lived in Spain for 5 years or more, have a low income, are between the ages of 18

and 65 and are medically affected by a disability or chronic illness . You must have lived concurrently in Spain for the 2

years immediately prior to filing your claim.

So, we see that it is not illegal to receive UK benefits while living in Spain. However, there are simply some rules and

regulations which can make these processes markedly easier.
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