Social security payments

[Jo]

My husband receives a work pension after he took early retirement, we are moving to live in France and will not be working, neither of us yet draws a UK old age pension. How do we stand on getting into the French system? Do we have to make social security payments?

[BJSLIV]

I assume that you , or at least one of you, have been paying NI contributions in the UK , and so will ultimately receive UK old age pensions.

If you have a complete NI record then the UK governeent will cover you both for up to two years, depending on the time of year that you move and how recently you stopped working.

You will then have to contribute under the CMU "8% system" until one or other of you receives the UK OAP. At this stage the UK government once again provides cover. You will of course need the additional  top-up cover which would probabaly cost £1000 per year, depending on age, the company you chose, and the degree of cover you decide to take.You will need this irrespective of any cover provided from either the UK or the CMU.

  

[Jo]

Thanks for the very clear reply, we would both be eligible for to receive UK old age pensions in time, is the £1000 each or for the two of us, and what is the 8% system? Many thanks for your help.

[Sunday Driver]

You will have to pay state healthcare contributions which amount to 8% of your taxable income (after allowances). The state will then reimburse you around 70% of your healthcare costs so you'll need complementary health insurance to cover the shortfall.  This should cost around 1,000 euros for the two of you.

Before you leave the UK, apply for a form E106 - this is required for registration here and it exempts you from these contributions for up to two years.

 

[Jo]

Many thanks for the reply, we have a much better idea of where we stand and what to do.