Lakewitch

Oh dear, my poor wife is now really worried as she cannot see how we will manage financially in France. We know she will continue to get her Incapacity benefits there, but apparently she will lose her long-term DLA. Does anyone know anything about the French system for such a benefit, and what constitutes qualifications for getting same? Or even which dept. could offer professional help on this matter?  Getting info. here in the UK is nigh on impossible. We have spent ages on the phone with various depts. but invariably no one seems able/willing to help much. To move over without all avenues explored is silly, as we don't want to fail and come back to the UK with insufficient funds to buy a house here. But at the same time, I am optimistic and feel as though it would be fine.... As mentioned in earlier posts, I do hope to find work (any kind) but at 55 it would seem to be harder over there. So we are trying to look at finances quite realistically. We would have no mortgage or other debts,and depending on what we pay for our home, £10-20k in the bank. Hopefully this will allow time for my french language to build (I started night class in Sept, and am trying Michel Thomas's CD's now) and so find some kind of work. Sorry to dump on you all with this, but so far this forum has been better than anything official in the UK and I will do anything I have to, to make a new life for my wife and I in France. In anticipation......thank you very much!  any help at all is appreciated. If we get over there (Limousin area) then as an ex chef, I shall take great pleasure in maybe meeting some of you over a good dinner in our home. Frank (Lakewitch)  

To all of you who took time to reply to my 'nervous' post, a great big thank you! It has certainly made today a bit brighter. We have taken note of the various tips offered, and are in the process of trying to get specific info from DLA. Its looking ok though so far. As a chef at one time, and up to recently a social photographer, I was hoping to either capitalise on one of those trades, or even offer my services as odd job man etc. The point about not being too remote is a good one, and we have noticed the much better prices in hamlets/villages as opposed to country. So we are really open to everything now and feel in our bones that this is a good move for us. Again, thank you everyone, this forum is a life line for people like us, hopefully I can help others one day. Frank

Hi, I am new to this so please forgive me if I am in the wrong place to ask this: My wife and I are about to sell up and move over to Limousin/Dordogne area. But we are really worried now that we may not be able to stay if we do not meet certain criteria. One book we have (David Hampshire's) states that after 90 days we must apply for a residents permit. As my wife cannot work, we rely on her Disability benefit, and at present, my own incapacity benefit. We would be buying a house outright, with about 15000 euros to bank. As far as we can make out, she should receive her benefits in France as here. I hope to find some work (I am 55) to supplement this. The book states that we must either have sufficient funds to manage financially on our own, or I must have a job inside 90 days. Obviously it would be catastrophic to fail after spending our money on a new home and be unable to stay. Can anyone shed any light on this at all, or suggest a way of finding out some specific information??? Sorry to dump such a lot on you all, but this forum seems to be our lifeline at present. Many many thanks for reading this.....hope someone can help. Frank.

Hi everyone, My wife and I are hoping to move over in May. Will need a flat/small house/caravan to rent for about 3 or 4 months whilst we find our new home. If anyone can help in any way it would be much appreciated. Limousin & Dordogne areas primarily,but others considered. [email protected] Thanks! Frank & Lynda Reid