Moving back to the UK

[bluestar]

I have a couple of friends who have been living overseas for 10 years+ and are now wanting to move back to the UK. Would they be able to claim child benefit/tax credits straight away or would they have to work/live in the UK for a while first? They are both UK passport holders. Anyone any advice on how to move back to the UK? I think they are a little worried about taking the plunge. Thanks.

We think it depends on their new residency status, which would in turn determine their tax status, and in the case of tax credits etc level of earnings. As we understand it Child Benefit is not subject to making NI contributions. Not aware that there is any qualifying period but I suppose it could be possible. Inland Revenue should be able to advise.

Where have they been living? I have recently claimed for tax credits after moving back to the UK 18 months ago. So, I had been out of the system for 4 years, not paying NI for at least 6. It seemed to not make any difference. We were living in NZ though, and I believe they have agreements with the UK about NI and social benefits.
Re moving back to the UK, the best advice I could give would be "don't under-estimate how difficult it may be to re-adjust!!". We only lived abroad for 6 years and thought comingback to the place of our birth would be a piece of cake. Wrong! It took at least a year to feel settled, emotionally and physically, new home etc. We also moved from one way of life (sea, sailing, laid back)to a very different one (work, cold, expensive!!). SO it was quite a shock. We don't regret it though, we're now closer to family and friends and are really enjoying England!!

They are living on a Spanish island. One of them currently pays social security/NI to the Spanish authorities. Also they have a house with a mortgage. Is it better to transfer the mortgage to the UK (their bank is connected to Royal Bank of Scotland) or should they start from scratch? Thanks for your help so far.