Are you affected by new rules for UK benefits that started on 1 January 2021? Our guest, the Department for Work and Pensions, explains what’s changed.
A trade deal agreed between the UK and the EU came into effect on 1 January 2021. Which? analysed the deal to explain what it means for you here.
The UK Government summary and full 1,246-page deal text is also available to read.
Here, the Department for Work and Pensions has set out changes to benefits since 1 January. Are you affected by the new rules?
This is a guest post by the Department for Work and Pensions. All views expressed are its own and not necessarily shared by Which?.
If you retire to the EU
You can carry on receiving your UK State Pension if you move to live in the EU and you can still claim your UK State Pension from EU countries. Check the qualifying conditions.
Your UK State Pension will be increased each year in the EU in line with the rate paid in the UK.Â
If you move to work in the EU
You can also count relevant social security contributions made in EU countries towards meeting the qualifying conditions for a UK State Pension.
Workers moving between the UK and the EU can be assured that you will only have to pay social security contributions in one state at a time.
Other UK Benefits and the EU
EU citizens living in the UK
EU citizens, and their families who were living in the UK by 31 December 2020, should apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living, working, studying, and accessing benefits in the UK after 30 June 2021.
It is free to apply to the scheme and if your application is successful, you’ll get either settled or pre-settled status. You will be able to view your status and prove it to someone else online. The deadline for applying is 30 June 2021. Irish citizens do not need to apply, but can if they want to.
The process of applying to the EU Settlement Scheme is different if you have a permanent residence document or indefinite leave to enter or remain, and you may not need to apply. However, you will still need to retain your evidence for any future claims.
UK nationals planning to move to the EU
The rules on receiving some UK benefits in the EU have changed. There are new rules on benefits for those who move to the EU now or in the future, with the exception of UK and Irish nationals who move between the UK and Ireland.Â
Check which benefits you can get abroad before moving.Â
Have you checked how the new rules affect you and your family?
Use the Brexit checker tool at gov.uk/transition for a personalised list of actions for you and your family.Â
This was a guest post by the Department for Work and Pensions. All views expressed were its own and not necessarily shared by Which?.
Have you been affected by any of the changes made to UK Benefits?
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