Your rights to claim benefits, tax credits or other financial support are protected by social security arrangements between the UK and other countries in the European Economic Area (EEA). This means you may be able to get UK benefits while living across the border.

Sources:  nidirect and HM Revenue and Customs

The following pages will provide you with further information:

• nidirect – Benefits Abroad
• nidirect – Claiming benefits in Europe
• HMRC – Tax credits for cross-border workers
• HMRC – How non-UK benefits affect tax credits

International Pension Centre

The International Pension Centre deals with all enquiries regarding the payment of state pension, bereavement benefits, incapacity benefits and other such benefits for those going to work or live in other countries outside the UK.

It also deals with enquiries from those living in the UK who have lived or worked in other countries that apply the European Community (EC) rules on social security or in a country that has a Reciprocal Social Security Agreement with the UK.

The website provides links to individual benefits and explains both the reciprocal agreement and the EEA rules for that benefit.  Please visit the Gov.uk website – Claiming benefits if you live, move or travel abroad

See also:

• EU Social Security Coordination – What are my rights?
• Border People – Social Security Ireland and Northern Ireland

Page last checked: August 2022

This webpage is for general information purposes only and while we endeavour to keep it up-to-date, errors may occur. It is very important that you check with the relevant body to ensure the information is current and is applicable to your situation.

If you would like to suggest amendments or highlight new information that could be useful to others please don’t hesitate to get in touch.