Going back to UK for a while - what do we need to do?

[sydneygirl]

Having been in Melbourne for 6 months (we have residency) we have decided to go back to the UK and sell our house. We'd definately like to settle in Melbourne so we feel the time is right to cut all financial ties with the UK. DH is staying in Oz though, to keep his job and our lives ticking over here.
Does anyone have any experience on this? How do I get myself and DS's to become normal residents again. And will I be entitled to claim anything like tax credits?
It is unlikely that I'll be able to work as will be on my own with the children. Any ideas?

You'll be able to claim Child Benefit that's for sure. Do it online before you leave and give them your return date and then you should have the money in the bank more or less as soon as you arrive.

Thanks Alibaldi.
I guess I'll have to make sure we cancel our child benefit payments here in Oz then...don't want to duplicate. Must go and add that to the list of "things to do"!
Anyone know if we'll be entitled to anything else? (Not on the lookout for "handouts" but obviously want to claim what we're entitled to...)

If you're not working you should be entitled to quite a few benefits. The website should help you. I'm a bit out of it as I'm back in the USA now.

yoo need to bring us expats marmite and english newspapers and M&S food!!!!!!!!!

check out when you last paid national insurance in the UK - I think some entitlements depend on that.

Presumably you would get child tax credit as well (though not sure how that works if you are not working).

How long do you expect to be here ? Would it be simpler to get a family member or an agency to sell the house for you ?

Thanks for your replies.

Yes, would be easier to get someone to sell the house for us, but we're having a few issues with our tenants at the moment. It may mean a court will have to ask them to leave, so we don't want to trouble my mum (who is elderly) with this. It's our mess so we'd better go and mop it up!

I e-mailed DWP yesterday but no joy. Hopefully they may respond soon. Send me your shopping lists girls....number one on my list is Nivea Visage! 3 quid in UK, but $12 here

It's a long time since I worked in the area of benefits advice, but beware the "habitual residency" rules if they are still in force. Under these, even if you are British if you have been out of the country for x number of months in the past year you may be totally ineligible for benefits. Personally I would call at the CAB (Citizens Advice) BEFORE you go near the benefits agency to get up to date information before you try and make any claim