EU agreements on social security

IF you are in the planning stages of a move to France there are most probably a thousand and one questions zipping around your head.

High on the list will be things like the transfer of social security payments, for example child benefit and winter fuel payments, or maybe there is a health question buzzing away.

A good first stop is the Department of Works and Pensions (DWP) website that offers clear information on the agreements between EU countries.

On a page entitled, Your social security insurance, benefits and healthcare rights in the European Economic Area you will find on clearly laid out pages, as well as a .pdf file you can download, answers to many of the questions you are likely to have.

If you are moving to France as a family, but one of you is still likely to be commuting to the UK to work, then you will be able to find out who you pay taxes to - ensuring you are not hit with a double whammy.

There is also an extensive section on receiving medical cover, and any existing benefits you currently claim, whilst in France.

A helpful feature is should you need more information on a certain subject then a code number is quoted for the booklet concerned, which can be tracked down via the search bar at the top of every DWP page.

Well before you make your move to France it is also worth contacting the DWP in Newcastle to make sure you have all the correct forms completed, again contact details are available through the site.

Comments

[John]

What happens if you leave u.k. and after a couple of years in france your circumstances change. Your health gets worse but you have never worked in france and contributed to the system can you get some financial help or social security from uk or france?