Moving back to the UK and benefits

[tefal]

Hi

I am pretty confident we are not entitled to (I hate the word entitled to) claim benefits of any sort when we get back to the UK as when we left last year it was our decision to do so.

My husband is confident that we can make a claim, especially if we don't find work but I am still not so sure.

So, I said I'd ask if anyone knows the position here.

Thanks

Have you been paying uk tax or ni in the interim or even in this last tax year ?

My info isn't up to date but it used to be the case that if you were gone for more than a certain time, you would be subject to the "habitual residence test" on your retun, not sure if that still applies.

However, if you only left last year I would be surprised if you fell foul of that. Also, did you have a house in the UK while you were gone? That used to be one of the things you would use to show that the UK was your "habitual residence". Sorry can't be more help - you may be able to get the informatioin you need from the Citizens Advice website, also some bureaux will answer e-mail enquiries.

Thank you. Yes, we still have a house that is a rental and we did pay tax. Thanks again.

I had to fill in a habitual residence test when I returned in 06. Not sure if it still stands, but I think you had to fill it in if you were away for more than 3 months (?). Anyway I filled it in & received JSA until I found a job.