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What else should I be doing?

  • Rosie the Raider
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12 years 9 months ago #91249 by Rosie the Raider
What else should I be doing? was created by Rosie the Raider
Is there anyone out there in a similar position to me, living in Spain and facing the prospect of having to try and sell up and move back to UK?
To cut a long story short. I was medically discharged from the Army in 1992 with Ankylosing Spondilitis and shortly after was classified permanently unfit for work. We decided to move to Spain to benefit from the climate, we were told there was no problem recieving benefits there and also I would be entitled to reciprocal health care. So we have settled here in Spain, bought a house and made a life.
I have now been told I will be placed in the ESA Work Related Group and as I live overseas will continue to be paid my benefits for one year, after which date all benefits and health care entitlements will cease. I am appealing this decision.
In the mean time I must plan for the worst, and in order to continue to receive any form of benefits after a years time I must move back to UK. As you can imagine this will come as a very big blow as there is no way I can envisage being able to sell our house in the present economical climate. We did consider if it might be possible to continue living here without the ESA until I am 65 (4 years time), when I will get OAP to replace the ESA. Even if this were possible on a cost of living basis, the main problem is my medication. I am currently entitled to free medication from the Spanish NHS, however I could not afford the cost of this if I had to pay myself. From the NHS here it is costed at over 14,000 Euros annually, I have no idea what it would cost if I had to buy it from a private doctor.
As you can see it is quite a dilema, is anyone else out there in a similar position? As you can imagine our lives are on hold at the moment.

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12 years 9 months ago #91253 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic Re:What else should I be doing?
Rosie

I have allowed your post, but we are not able to assist with the issues of claiming UK benefits whilst abroad.

There is an extensive thread, now closed, relating to the experiences of a anumber of members living abroad. See

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/forum?func=view&catid=10&id=77958

You can search for additional posts using the search link at the top right of the page.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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