Do British Old Age Pensions Get Paid to Those Who Have Left Britain to Live Abroad?

For many individuals, the decision to move to another country often comes with questions about social security benefits, particularly old age pensions. This article aims to provide clarity on whether British old age pensions continue to be paid to those who leave Britain to live abroad, and under what conditions.

Introduction

British citizens who decide to retire and live outside the UK often wonder about the continuation of their old age pension payments. The answer to this query depends on several factors, including the existence of bilateral treaties between the UK and the host country.

General Repayment with No Treaty

British pensioners living in countries without an agreement with the UK typically see their pension payments frozen at the rate they were receiving on the date of departure. According to a residency ex-resident in France, their pension is still being paid, though it remains the same regardless of inflation or economic changes in the UK.

Conditions and Examples

There are important conditions to note. The UK government sends pension payments to pensioners living in every country of the world, with the exception of North Korea. Pensioners in Germany, such as those residing in Berlin, can continue to receive their payments smoothly. However, for some other European countries like Spain, secessionist regions might face challenges.

Take, for instance, an individual resident in Spain. Without a treaty, their pension might face similar challenges as those living in Canada, where pension increases are not awarded, leading to a frozen pension. In contrast, the United States has a treaty in place, ensuring that pensioners living in the UK receive annual increases aligned with the UK state pension.

Residence and Contractual Rights

The question of pension payments is not simply about residency but also about the terms of the treaty between the UK and the host country. British citizens who have contributed to the system expect their pension payments to be handled as if they were still residing in the UK, without regard to their current location. For Canadian pensioners, this means that if their pension does not increase, they may be eligible for pension credit if they fall under the poverty line in the UK.

Conclusion

In summary, British old age pensions are generally paid to those who choose to live abroad, but the increments may be subject to the terms of the country’s treaty with the UK. For those living in countries without such treaties, their pension payments remain frozen, essentially ignoring inflation and other changes in the UK economy. It is crucial to understand the specific details of the treaty between the UK and the host country to ensure smooth continuation of pension payments.

References

1. UK Government Website - Pension Payments Abroad: [Link]