British Government answers questions on benefits and pensions for UK nationals in Spain in a ‘no deal’ scenario

THE British Government has released a notice of guidance to outline the rights of UK nationals in the EU on regards to the allocation of benefits and pensions should the UK leave the European Union without an agreement.
The government issued a statement assuring UK nationals living in EU member states, such as Spain, will continue to receive their state pension from Britain.
The statement also answered questions regarding whether UK nationals will continue to get their state pension uprated under no deal:
“The UK leaving the EU will not affect entitlement to continue receiving the UK State Pension if you live in the EU, and we are committed to uprate across the EU in 2019 to 2020.
“We would wish to continue uprating pensions beyond that but would take decisions in light of whether, as we would hope and expect, reciprocal arrangements with the EU are in place.”
The statement confirms UK nationals living in Spain will continue to get their benefits, including child benefits and disability benefits in the case of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit.
The statement addressed UK national eligibility for in-country benefits, paid for by Spain:
“In the event the UK leaves the EU without a deal, the UK will call on the EU and its member countries to continue their commitments to EU citizens and protect the rights of UK nationals living in EU countries.
“We want UK nationals to be able to stay in the EU countries that they live in when the UK leaves the EU, and for their rights to employment, healthcare, education, benefits and services to be protected.
In regards to UK nationals residing in the European Economic Area (EEA) which have an annuity or personal pension from a UK-based firm, the UK government has said:
“If you live in the EEA and have an annuity or personal pension with a UK-based firm, your firm should have made plans to make sure you can still get payments from your annuity or personal pension, even if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.
“If your firm needs to make any changes to your annuity or personal pension or the way it provides it, your firm should contact you.
“If you have any concerns about whether you might be affected you should contact your firm.”
In regards to UK nationals in Spain with a private occupational pension in Britain, the government has said: “There is nothing in UK private occupational pensions legislation that prevents occupational pension schemes from making pension payments overseas. We do not expect that this will change as a result of the UK withdrawing from the EU.”
 
For those that wish to read the UK government’s article in full, please see this page.