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ebaynut

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Everything posted by ebaynut

  1. [quote user="Tony F Dordogne"]Sorry ebaynut, do you condone breaking the law, it depends on the where and who and how the crime is committed that matters?[/quote] No Tony, absolutely not! Nor would I commit any such offence myself, and think it to be okay. My point is that imho most English do not move to France with the intention of committing 'crimes'. They are more likely to stay in England, or move to Spain. That is not to say that every UK citizen who has moved are all lily-white. Fraudsters, whatever nationality they are, will always use whatever opportunities are available. I stated, "there are abuses to the system, BUT these are a SMALL percentage", but not condonable! They have to live with constantly looking behind them. The reason for my original response to this thread was to put my own considerations to whether a spouse should be able to piggy-back onto an E121. What I have 'tried' to make clear, is that 'most IB claimants are NOT fraudsters', and it is very unfair to blanket judge MOST claimants, especially 'without the facts of their own private situation'. We are NOT entitled to an E121, but if we were, would we claim? Absolutley, because it would be within our rights, to which we would be entitled! (I dare say we would then be judged by those who don't know our circumstances, as freeloaders). We have paid very heavily, over many years, into the system for just such unforeseen circumstances making life difficult, as MOST of these people have. It is unfair that they are then made to feel like spongers and freeloaders, and that they constantly feel the need to justify their rights to the uninformed.
  2. [quote user="Ron Avery"][quote user="Boiling a frog"]  I pose this question. If one of the couple is unable to work and received an E121 which basically means cover for health care up to 70% in France why should the other half,perfectly fit, receive the same benefit Seems unfair to me [/quote] But they do, it happens all the time, I know loads of people who are totally fit and healthy who pay no health charges because the other half has a work related IB, mostly teachers for some reason.  I find it bizzare and scandulous that you can develop a stress related illness, leave the job that caused it, get IB, move to France and then don't work and lay by the pool all day and pay nothing for you or O/Hs  healthcare, marvellous, whilst others who have serious illnesses get nothing and will have to pay for their healthcare or leave France. [/quote] BAF, I think you have missed a couple of things out from your posting. The first line should read ebaynut makes a GOOD case for people who are genuinely incapicated, then you state you know several E121 holders, and that all healthy partners should pay. You clearly state that you know these people that receive benefits, but do not call them your friends, therefore you can not know what their circumstances are, only what you interpret them to be. In my original posting, I did not quote anybody in particular as to how I have come to my assumptions, nor am I looking to fall out with anyone. However, if you read the quotes above from BaF and Ron Avery, although they don't state outright that 'everyone they know' who receives IB is 'fit & healthy', that is certainly the impression that is implied,  and I stated  in my posting that "there are abuses to the system, BUT these are a SMALL percentage". Just how medically qualified are both of you? These people have all had INDEPENDANT QUALIFIED DOCTORS stake their reputations on their diagnosis, to classify them as unfit for for work - these doctors are all too aware that there are some that will try to pull the wool over their eyes, and that is why they have to have xrays/blood tests/scans. If anyone was to meet my wife when she is out and about, they would NEVER think there was anything wrong with her. I presume, she also would be classed by the uninformed as 'FIT & HEALTHY'. She would never allow anyone who she didn't know intimately to see her when she is unwell, she is far too proud, and indeed many people we know very well are shocked when they do discover just how desperately ill she becomes. She doesn't want the constant, pityiful sympathy that being ill brings out in people. She wants to be treated normally, and to achieve this, has to put on a front. In the same vein, she rarely talks about her conditions, because she doesn't want to be known as a 'medical bore'. But these people don't get to see that after seeing them for a couple of hours, being bright and cheerful, and to everyone's belief 'well', she can then spend the entire next day recovering from this innocent encounter. So I can easily imagine everyone saying 'clearly, nowt wrong with her!' And that is what I am stating - only the doctors have this information - not Joe Public! It is unfair to make blanket suppositions about people, you wouldn't state that most muslims are terrorists, or most Germans are Nazis, or that most blondes are thick (or would you?), so why is it okay to pick on the sick and infirm? If you don't know them well, how do you know their circumstances? Perhaps you would prefer your partner to have a health issue so they would be able to obtain an E121, so that you don't have to pay. But believe me, I would much rather my wife was healthy. Also, I have no anger to people who claim benefits when they are capable of doing jobs around their own houses. If that is the only way they can afford to get by, that is surely 'their business'. I feel sorry for them that that is how they have chosen to lead their lives, having to watch over their shoulders all the time for possible detection. If they were caught, the money saved would not be used on the needy, or given back to the taxpayer, it would be used to "Liberate" another country, or to give another politian a huge payrise which they vote for themselves, (N Sarkozy just had 200%, I understand!). I have read on several posts about the "terrible crimes" the English commit in France, they don't register their cars here, don't fill in all the forms for tax on time, and even work on the black. The English do not riot in the Paris suburbs, or shoot at the police. English people move to France for a peaceful life, they try to fit in with the French people, (lets face it, the French are pretty good at working on the black themselves). The English that want a different style of life move to Spain, so I am told. I am not trying to change anyones minds on the subject of E121 holders, as clearly some peoples minds will never be changed, I am just trying to put  the other side to their views.  
  3. I would just like to add a few of my own considerations to the discussion of whether someone is fit and able to work or not, and whether it is right that a spouse who is fit and healthy should then be able to piggy back onto the holder of an E121. I do feel it is time to try to educate the extremely lucky, healthy people who seems to think that this situation is a cop-out, and a way to freeload into the system. Okay, so there are abuses to the system, (there always is, but these are a very small percentage), but what gives anyone the right to comment when they don't have the privilege to see behind closed doors, and then deem to think themselves high and mighty enough to make a blanket judgement on 'many' claimants, and make them feel that they have a duty to disclose 'private and confidential' information in order to justify their RIGHT to these benefits. To qualify for these benefits, they need to undergo rigorous (and rightly so) examinations by a 'QUALIFIED' doctor, not Joe Bloggs at the benefit office, who can fall for a sob story. My wife is registered disabled, but doesn't qualify for an E121 (She had been a young/fit housewife and mother at the time of her illness, and hadn't made the required NI contributions - even though her conditions are far worse than some claimants). I 'DO' work, when her conditions allow, and fortunately at the moment, can do so, and might I add, enjoy doing so!  BUT..............there are many times when her conditions determine that I have to look after her 24-7. I am not going to go into those conditions, or what I may, or may not have to do.....for one thing, you wouldn't want to know, but also, it is simply no-one else's business! I don't resent this, I willingly take on this aspect of our lives, so that she can remain with us. Likewise there are occasions when you might see her shopping, or even pottering about in the garden, but these situations are a pleasure for us to experience, the sort of thing most people are fortunate enough to take for granted. So, how do I reconcile the fact that 'there are times', although fit and healthy 'I' may luckily be, 'I' AM UNABLE TO WORK! Not because I am a freeloader or sponger, but because I want to care for her. Believe me, this can be a huge financial burden, the mortgage and other bills still have to be met! That is why the powers that be include a spouse on the claim, they are all too aware of the implications of coping with just such a scenario. You never know when you are able/unable to work. Being self-employed makes the situation easier, because you can at least juggle your time - not helpful if you are committed to something or someone - you will soon go out of business! There would realistically be no possibility of obtaining a paid salary with the amount of time off that is sometimes required. I often upsets me when many who speak to me says "your wife is looking well", yeah right, that's because she is thoughtful enough to hide away when she's not well, and thereby not have to suffer the indignities of their pity, whether sincere or not! So, therefore no-one but us, her immediate family, and her doctors would ever know just what she has to contend with (behind closed doors, in  privacy) - would that mean she doesn't really require, or deserve her disabled status? We have been told that she would be lucky to reach 65 years, so we count everyday as a bonus, as should everyone. But we are not naive enough to plan for our retirement, we would however like to make the most of whatever time we have, including the right to move to France, and in doing so, not have to deal with self-righteous, judgemental, uninformed people.....we have more than enough problems already! Just because you may observe someone who 'appears' to be fit and able, please, don't always assume that they are one of life's spongers! You don't have the required information to make that judgement................THE DOCTORS DID! And also, please remember, "There but for the grace of........." She did nothing to warrent this happening to us, it could so easily have happened to you, or your loved one, or even me......what shall we do then? Hopefully, you may never be in this situation, but I hope for your sakes, that your condemnation of these people doesn't come back to haunt you.
  4. We would also like to extend our very grateful thanks to the entire team, including the very shy contributors. The hours of work they have put into the campaign has been admirable, exhausting and frustrating at times, often being met with brick walls, and then criticism! And, they have taken this on, despite having their own lives and problems to deal with, and completely unfunded from outside sources, just the compulsion that these changes were unfair and unjust. The superbly factual, informative and professional website is a major triumph, and has provided support and advice for everyone affected, and also has an astonishing amount of useful points of reference/contact/lobbying and links, a huge credit to one and all. We are still in the dark, being potential future residents, myself with pre-existing conditions, but we are sure that the campaign will go on. I have been in awe of their resilience and determination, and both of us would like to publicly say:  
  5. Ebbie, If you paid for this hotel with a credit card, the best thing to do is get on to the card company and tell them your problem. We had a problem with a car hire company in France this year, after one phone call to Amex, we had a 40% refund in days. [:D] If you did not pay on credit card this time, always make sure you do in future.  
  6.   My guess....this is sure to delay things even further!  DWP strike announced for 6/7th December[:@]  
  7. [quote user="Keith CHANNING"]BTW, does anyone know what constitutes a pre-existent condition? I don't have anything I would consider immediately serious, but do have regular medication for hypertension, cholesterol and enlarged prostate.[/quote] As I understand it Keith....ALL of these conditions would be classified as 'pre-existing', and would therefore in all likelihood be EXCLUDED from any PHI you might be able to get. Also any subsequent conditions you might get as a result of having these conditions, i.e heart attack/stroke etc (if the doctors, or your PHI provider, believe that your current conditions have lead/contributed to you developing the new conditions) the list goes on.........sorry, not what you wanted to hear I know![:(] However, there are unsubstantiated murmerings that there 'may be some concessions' for people with pre-exisitings.............we wait, and wait, and wait.............[:@]
  8.   Sorry chocccie, rather gone off your opening thread, apologies [:$] However.....Here is a lovely recipe that everyone will love: here http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/database/christmascake_2359.shtml  
  9. This report dated 23/11 states that a 'British Embassy spokeswomen' CONFIRMED the five year ruling.[:D][:D][:D] http://www.frenchentree.com/fe-health/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=28571 Quote: "However, this confirmation has yet to filter down to CPAM offices around the country so there is still an unclear situation at a local level"   Also, a further report re: Pats case! http://www.frenchentree.com/fe-health/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=28954    
  10. WELL DONE! [:D] Also to Dorothy & Pat! Strange though that he couldn't find some more positive emails in response, I sent TWO![:@]   Julia
  11. [quote user="Cassis"]Sorry, but I insist that it is a giant tiddleywink taken from a Vogon transporter.  Here is my source: 2007 Intergalactic Tiddleywink Tournament Content may be reproduced for personal and non-commercial purposes. [/quote] [Www] Superb [;-)]   But I suspect Sid has hit the nail on the head, although I do like to let my imagination work overtime! [:D] PS Thanks for the lessons on shortening links, I'm learning a bit more everyday. [:$] I can even add smilies now!
  12. You've got to admit, it is a bit odd to say the least! I like Cassis & Hoddy's ideas......... anyone else got any ideas? When I have looked at it on Geoportail, you can zoom right in, and at about 7-8 o'clock on the outskirts of the circle, there is another strange area, like a beach with people on it? Should I be thinking about getting my medication checked out?[blink] Julia
  13. [quote user="Will"] Can you give us lat and long if you aren't allowed to post a working link? [/quote] I haven't got a clue how to find that out, [8-)] (not very tech I'm afraid!), [:$], but if you search for Ruffec in the Charente, it is a few km's southeast, between Barro & Vertueil Sur Charente. (Then zoom in a bit, very obvious then,  even from up high!)  
  14. I knew that we would get a perfectly logical explanaion for it, but it had us foxed. Thank you everyone, much obliged, and thanks to Clair for sorting out my dreadful attempt at a link![:$] Julia
  15. Hi Coops, Yup, problem is I don't know how to shorten links, and it is verrrrry long![:-))] Anyhows, here goes, hope you can get it. http://www7.mappy.com/ link shortened by a mod
  16. Hi, We have been looking at aeriel photos of the Charente on Mappy, and have noticed something we cannot find an explanation for, can someone enlighten us please. There is a rather strange, but perfectly circular area in the bends of the R. Charente,  Southeast of Ruffec, between Barro & Vertueil-Sur-Charente, with no mention of what it is. It is larger than both of the neighbouring communes. Any ideas, it's driving us nuts?[8-)]
  17. Hi Liberty, As I understand it, you have to be a resident of the country in which you claim any benefit, in order to be eligible for it, and some of these benefits are exportable should you move overseas. Therefore you would need to make a claim in your current country of residence for any similar benefits that they may offer their citizens. This legislation deals specifically with people who were resident in their original claiming country at the time of the claim, but who have subsequently moved elsewhere within the EU, and who would have lost their right to the claim, as it was categorised as a 'special non-contributory benefit' (not dependant on NI contributions), and not a 'sickness benefit', which could be exportable. This ruling seems to mean that if you were already in receipt of DLA and then moved, subsequently losing the benefit, you may be able to reclaim your lost benefit. (ONLY the 'CARE' element of this benefit, would seem to be exportable) If you should return to the UK as a resident, where this benefit is available, then I believe that should you then move elsewhere, you could take the benefit with you. Afraid I can't help you on which benefits are available in the Netherlands, but I understand that this ruling was in direct relation to a claim from a dutch resident appealing the exportable application of the original legislation. You may find these links helpful http://www.completefrance.com/cs/forums/1024385/ShowPost.aspx http://www.completefrance.com/cs/forums/947558/ShowPost.aspx
  18. Have just come across these links, thought I would share them. http://www.french-news.com/content/view/1708/228/lang,en/ http://ukonline.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_071034 Not new 'news', but it does provide some further contact points.
  19. Tony, I phoned them yesterday on their freephone number, but was told they were still working it out, and that there was no further news as of yet. They again stated that any updates would be posted on the website.   The wait goes on............ [:@]
  20. Somewhere else to make the point, all publicity for the cause. http://www.conservativesabroad.org/blog/?p=222 Blog for Gary Streeter MP, re his parliamentary question!
  21. Chris, Try looking at www.moneysavingexpert.com.   A leaflet came with my magazine last week from A+L offering 6.4%. Try also phoning the many lender around, some will haggle over rates, there are lots to choose from. Also if the Bank of England does drop rates soon, then this will make  loans cheaper, but the best thing is, they are fixed for life. Good luck.    
  22. Chris, IMHO you would be best to go with a personal unsecured loan in the UK. If your credit history is good, you should be able to get one for about 6.0% fixed for life of loan, for up to £25K over seven years. DO NOT take out payment protection with it however. Advantages, no set up fees, small early repayment charge if you do pay up before the end, and you will know your life policy will cover it from the UK. Down side is, its in pounds, but changing this amount would not cost much, and of course you will have a Nationwide account to help with this. If you take a Mortgage in France, you will have to supply all sorts of paperwork, pay the lender a set up fee, which would include a valuation, pay the Notaire a fee for registering the mortgage,  wait around for weeks/months while all this is done. If you wanted to repay early the fee would most likely be quite high. Also you would need life insurance, and it is highly unlikely that they would accept your UK policy for this. As you state you have had health issues, you know what this will mean. Of course I don't know your personal situation, and this may change this somewhat.
  23. Have today received a reply from Dawn Primarolo, Minister of State for DoH, in response to a question posed on our behalf to Alan Johnson MP, Secretary of State for Health, who in turn was responding to my letter to our own MP - Sir Alan Haselhurst, (still with me?) which ultimately gives nothing new to the concerns we all have, and just re-iterates what we all know, regarding expiry of E106 and non-entitlement to join/remain in the CMU after 31/03/08, until entitlement of E121 comes into force.   And I quote: "This means that all non-working EU citizens under retirement age, whether already resident in France or planning to move in the future, who are not entitled to healthcare reimbursement via the Form 106 or E109, will be required to have their own personal medical insurance until they reach UK retirement age, at which point they will qualify for entitlement to the Form E121, or until they qualify as a French resident, which is after five years of regular, uninterrupted residence"   (My italics, underling and highlighting)   Mind you, these are British ministers interpretations I guess, and not necessarily how France will interpret the legislations, and their application!   However, nothing was included about any additional information for people with pre-existing conditions, and their inability to get, or afford private medical insurance, just that she was 'sorry to hear of our difficulties'.   Oh well, that's alright then.................that's very comforting and reassuring!   Sir Alan Haselhurst also stated that "France retains a sovereign right to amend it's healthcare regulations. It is very unfortunate that these change the reasonable expectations of many British citizens who have chosen to move there".
  24. On page 78 of May 2007 Living France, Bill Blevins states in his article (and I quote) "that under the UK/France inheritance tax treaty, inheritances (but not gifts), from a UK domiciled deceased to a French resident recipient are not liable to succession tax in France (except for French property), even where the recipent has been resident in France for more than six years". Best to read this link as it answers your question. http://www.completefrance.com/cs/forums/3/814307/ShowPost.aspx#814307
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