Which UK Benefits Can Brits Keep If They Move to Spain?
If you’re a Brit considering a move to Spain, you might wonder how your UK benefits will be affected. The good news is that there are some UK benefits you can still claim, even while living abroad. Let’s dive into the details of which benefits you can keep and what you need to know.
Understanding Your UK Benefits
When you live in Spain, most benefits become unavailable. However, if you have worked in the UK and paid taxes there for several years, you might still be eligible for certain benefits. It’s essential to inform the UK government about your move to Spain or if you plan to retire there.
The UK State Pension
For many, the most crucial benefit is the UK State Pension. The wonderful news is that you can continue receiving it while living in Spain. According to the UK government, “You can carry on receiving your UK State Pension if you move to live in the EU, EEA, or Switzerland.” Your pension will also be adjusted annually, based on the rate in the UK, even from Spain. Moreover, contributions made in Spain can count towards qualifying for your UK State Pension.
Other Available Benefits
Besides the State Pension, there are a few other benefits you might be able to claim while living in Spain. Here’s a short list:
- Bereavement Support Payment and other bereavement benefits
- Industrial injuries benefits
- Maternity Allowance
- Statutory Maternity Pay
- Statutory Paternity Pay
- Statutory Sick Pay
These benefits are also available to Brits living in other EU countries and Switzerland.
Understanding Social Security Agreements
The UK has social security agreements with EU countries like Spain. These agreements help you claim certain benefits while residing there. Your National Insurance contributions may also count towards your eligibility for benefits in Spain.
However, remember that you need to pay National Insurance contributions in the UK if you have received a special certificate from HMRC. This certificate proves that you don’t need to pay social security contributions in Spain. This applies mainly if you’re temporarily living in Spain for a UK employer, working on a ship, or you’re a civil servant for the UK government in the EU.
You can check your eligibility for different benefits using the UK government website. Now, let’s break down some specific benefits.
Maternity Benefits
If you are working for a UK employer in Spain and paying Class 1 National Insurance, you may be eligible for Maternity Benefits. But if you are not, claiming maternity benefit may not be possible.
Child Benefit
You typically can’t claim Child Benefit in Spain unless you are receiving other UK benefits simultaneously. If that’s the case, then you might be eligible for it.
Statutory Sick Pay
The eligibility for Statutory Sick Pay is also limited. You can only claim it if you are employed by a UK employer while in Spain.
Employment and Support Allowance
If you lived or worked in Spain before January 1, 2021, you might qualify for Employment and Support Allowance. Additionally, if your partner lived in Spain before that date, you could still be eligible, even if you didn’t.
Carer’s Allowance
You can receive Carer’s Allowance only if the individual you care for is receiving a UK qualifying benefit and if you lived or worked in Spain before January 1, 2021.
Bereavement Support Payment
Eligibility for Bereavement Support Payment or Widowed Parent’s Allowance while living in Spain depends on your personal circumstances. It’s best to contact the relevant UK authorities for clarification.
Tax Credits
You may be able to claim specific UK tax credits if you are getting other benefits from the UK simultaneously or if you work across borders.
Benefits You Cannot Claim
It’s essential to note the benefits you cannot claim while living in Spain. These include Job Seeker’s Allowance, Income Support, and Winter Fuel Payment.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning to relocate to Spain, it’s very important to understand what benefits you can retain from the UK. Always stay informed, and don’t forget to keep communication lines open with the UK government regarding your move. Doing so ensures that you receive all the benefits you’re entitled to.
Looking for a smooth transition? Keep these details handy, and enjoy your life under the sunny skies of Spain!
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Original Text – https://www.thelocal.es/20221018/which-uk-benefits-can-brits-hold-onto-if-they-move-to-spain