disablity payments

[Baz]

My wife will be moving to near oloron st marie in August of this year and has been registered disabled and unable to work  for over 6 years after an incident at work.

Has any one any info re claiming disablement benefit in france as we believe there is an EU agreement if you are registered in one EU country and move to an other you are allow to claim thier benefit. Any advice or pit falls to be avoided.

Baz

 

[loella]

All I can say is that our experience was unusual; My husband had been on long term incapacity benefit for a long time. The magic year seems to be 1991 in that if you were receiving it before that time they generally allow you to 'export it' to an EU country. But I would certainly ask and see if you qualify, the rules may have changed in the past 2 years. However, my gut feeling is that 'as a rule' they would say no. I do think though that you may be able to claim if you become a French resident...you'd have to search for info on the forum perhaps seperatly for that.

Hope that helps a little.

A

[Tony F Dordogne]

Annie, I think that you have your benefits confused.

DLA has a 1991 qualification date not invalidity benefit.  Invalidity benefit is payable in France, provided that you have received it for in excess of 6 months.  However, if you have other pension income, it is liable to taxation - the UK govt department concerned works out your income and then offsets a given amount, reducing your benefit entitlement.  Seem to recall the trigger point is somewhere around £85 in pension before you get the benefit reduced.

I looked at the French system when we came here and decided to leave well enough alone - if you can, stay with the UK system though I think the payments may be lower.

[ali-cat]

My husband & I are both on ICB in Northern Ireland & have been investigating transfering our payments to France.  I have spoken to various people in the DSS, both here & in Newcastle & have been assured that there will not be a problem.  Once you are on Long Term Benefit (12 months from working) you are entitled to have your money paid into a French bank of your choice.

We have been sent out BF5 forms to complete, which are then sent to the overseas branch, who arrange the payments to any EU country.

We have both been medically retired form the Civil Service (I'm 40 & the hubby's 43) and as I do not receive a large pension, will continue to receive the full amount, but my husbands pension means he now receives about £28 a week.   Contact your local office & ask for the forms - there really should be no problem.   I hope this helps.  [:D]