§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps are taken by his Department to advise those contemplating moving abroad for retirement or extended absence of the implications of the entitlement to retirement benefits. [71182]
§ Mr. McCartneyIndividuals who are considering moving abroad are responsible for considering the financial impact of such a move. They can seek information and advice on the implications on entitlement to retirement benefits in a number of DWP publications.
Leaflet NP46 "Retirement Pensions" (which is widely available in Social Security Offices and Post Offices) advises pensioners of the effect of going abroad on their retirement pension.
1542Wsent out four months in advance of pension age- claim forms can also be obtained via the Pension Service Website or from any of our Local Offices. Details of the number of claims to Retirement Pension that have been received in the relevant period(s) have been included in the table.
Period No of letters No of claims Received 01.04.97 to 31.03.98 571,970 602,696 01.04.98 to 31.03.99 568,264 628,804 01.04.99 to 31.03.00 563,395 621,967 01.04.00 to 31.03.01 581,416 506,298 01.04.01 to 31.03.02 655,308 556,626