Relocating to Britain from Canada

[rosalina457]

I came to Canada at thr age of 14, I am now 62 but have dual citizenship. As a 14 year old I didn't have much choice when my parents decided to move here, although my heart constantly aches for my beloved Scotland. I am retired now and on a limited income but would still like to relocate to the UK. Can anyone tell me if I would be eligible for any additional old age security of if I would get assistance with housing. Desperate for information.

[Crawford]

Originally Posted by rosalina457

I came to Canada at thr age of 14, I am now 62 but have dual citizenship. As a 14 year old I didn't have much choice when my parents decided to move here, although my heart constantly aches for my beloved Scotland. I am retired now and on a limited income but would still like to relocate to the UK. Can anyone tell me if I would be eligible for any additional old age security of if I would get assistance with housing. Desperate for information.

It is unlikely that you would qualify for any State Pension (UK Old age pension) since you never made any national insurance contributions. However, I presume you would qualify for Canadian Old Age Pension and this you could still obtain in the UK.

If you returned to the UK penniless and without accommodation, once you were recognised as being permanently living in the UK, you could probably qualify for welfare benefits. As a permanent resident you would automatically qualify for the NHS.

[Joppa]

Originally Posted by rosalina457

I came to Canada at thr age of 14, I am now 62 but have dual citizenship. As a 14 year old I didn't have much choice when my parents decided to move here, although my heart constantly aches for my beloved Scotland. I am retired now and on a limited income but would still like to relocate to the UK. Can anyone tell me if I would be eligible for any additional old age security of if I would get assistance with housing. Desperate for information.

Depends on the circumstances. Presumably you are eligigle for and/or getting Canadian pension. First you need to pass habitual residence test. There is no actual test as such but the local authority to which you apply for assistance will assess whether you qualify as a permanent resident (i.e. your relocation is permanent). Once you are approved, they will look at your total financial picture - how much you get from Canada, how much savings you have, any investment or rental income, assets and what your requirements are. As a single person (I presume), you only get help towards a modest accommodation such as a studio/one-bedroom flat and council tax (normally around £800 pa for someone living alone).
There is some universal benefit to which you qualify, such as winter fuel payment of £200, free prescriptions, free eye test, and free bus pass. You are also fully covered under NHS.

[rosalina457]

I get a disability pension of $880 which when converted to British pounds is around 560. Right now I get topped up by an additional $700 from our provincial government and also get a rental subsidy of $550. Of course I would lose these if I relocated so would require some financial assistance in the UK. I know it is a financial dilemma but my heart seems to be winning out over my brain. If need be I may be able to return to administrative work to support myself but unsure of the employment situation in the UK. I know my situation seems gloomy but I am divorced, live by myself and my children don't seem to need me in their lives as much - I am terribly unhappy here and have been for several years. Any help or advice would be so appreciated.

[Joppa]

Having being away from UK for nearly 50 years, you presumably have no or very few friends and relatives left in UK, so the loneliness problem may not go away. Compared to Canadians, British are more reserved and keep things to themselves and you are left alone, unless you ask them first for help and friendship. People in the North of England and Scotland are noticeably more open and friendly. Join a church, a club or society and get involved - best way to make friends quickly. If you need disability benefits, you can apply at the same time as income-related benefits, or directly with DWP - government agency. Your lack of UK contribution record and what you are getting from Canada will be taken into account.

[rosalina457]

Did you say housing assistance of 800 pound per year? That is only 65 pound per month

[rosalina457]

Thank you very much for your assistance Joppa - it is greatly appreciated - any other information yoi can offer me would be wonderful

[Crawford]

Originally Posted by rosalina457

I get a disability pension of $880 which when converted to British pounds is around 560. Right now I get topped up by an additional $700 from our provincial government and also get a rental subsidy of $550. Of course I would lose these if I relocated so would require some financial assistance in the UK. I know it is a financial dilemma but my heart seems to be winning out over my brain. If need be I may be able to return to administrative work to support myself but unsure of the employment situation in the UK. I know my situation seems gloomy but I am divorced, live by myself and my children don't seem to need me in their lives as much - I am terribly unhappy here and have been for several years. Any help or advice would be so appreciated.

Please don't depend on getting a job. While the job situation is not as dire as some parts of Europe, there is still unemployment in the UK. Also, being aged 62, will not help in your search for work.

One cannot guarantee that you will receive anything like the benefits you are getting in Canada.

[rosalina457]

I know I can't depend on getting a job - I'm trying to determine if I would be able to get any assistance at all and to what extent. It is a very difficult decision to make at my age and the more information I can gather the easier it is to come to some kind of conclusion. I know it wouldn't be easy financially and I am willing to make sacrifices in order to live in my place of birth.