Retirement Pensions (Emigration) (Hansard, 2 March 1993)

§ Miss Widdecombe

The administration of benefits is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will reply to the hon. Member and a copy will be placed in the Library.

115W

Letter from Michael Bichard to Mr. Andrew Bowden, dated I March 1993: As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, it is my responsibility to answer questions about relevant operational matters. I am therefore replying to your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security asking what advice is issued to British citizens considering emigrating on the potential effects on their future state retirement pensions, in particular where emigration is contemplated to a country with which there is no reciprocal social security agreement. A person considering emigrating should seek advice from their local Benefits Office. They will be issued with leaflet NI38 "Social Security Abroad", a guide to National Insurance contributions and Social Security benefits outside the European Community and reciprocal agreement countries. The leaflet gives general guidance on the social security arrangement in both countries with, and without, reciprocal arrangements. However, because of the complex nature of contributions and benefits for those going abroad the leaflet also explains that the customer can get further help and specific advice on individual circumstances, or problems, from the Department's Overseas Branch at Newcastle upon Tyne. This branch specialises in contributions and benefits involving periods abroad. A copy of the leaflet is enclosed for information. There is also a series of 22 leaflets containing information about the reciprocal social security arrangements with individual countries and the European Community which are available on request. I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy will appear in the Official Report and a copy will also be placed in the Library.