What is the process for continuing your benefits moving UK to Ireland under the Common Travel Area?

Stellar
Stellar Online Community Member Posts: 340 Pioneering
edited August 21 in Benefits and income

I'm currently looking into this, as I need to leave the UK ASAP for my mental health, but all I can find online is vague advice stating that:

  • it's possible under the Common Travel Area if you're a UK or Irish citizen residing in the other country, as you'll have the same rights as a native citizen.
  • You're supposed to call the DWP Exportability team to discuss your move when it's confirmed.
  • The UK 'Can you claim benefits abroad?' checker claims you can't continue PIP in Ireland, even though this directly contradicts the terms of the CTA.

I can find literally nothing else, which is not helpful for planning or research. And if you're a disabled UK citizen who wants to move abroad, Ireland is one of the few options open to you if you dont have wealth, a foreign spouse or a second passport.

Does anyone know where I can get specific, detailed advice on the process that doesn't require contacting the DWP?

Thanks!

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Comments

  • Stellar
    Stellar Online Community Member Posts: 340 Pioneering

    Bumping this again, although i'm not surprised nobody has replied.

  • bg844
    bg844 Online Community Member Posts: 3,928 Championing

    Under CTA rules, you have a right to claim social security in Ireland as residence in the UK will qualify you as ‘ordinary resident’. This may take some time to do though, as you will need to show to the Department of Social Protection (Ireland’s version of DWP) that you have a ‘continuing desire to be resident’ there, this can be achieved via various agreements, rental, bank statements and registration with a GP/medical card.

    I have assisted numerous people in their move within the CTA, it is sometimes difficult but in the end claims get processed successfully.

    See this link:

    https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social-welfare/irish-social-welfare-system/social-welfare-system-in-ireland/


    Please be aware though that entitlement to Irish welfare isn’t guaranteed, each benefit has it’s own criteria, as do UK benefits.

  • bg844
    bg844 Online Community Member Posts: 3,928 Championing

    Also see:

    https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social-welfare/irish-social-welfare-system/social-assistance-payments/habitual-residence-condition/

  • Holly_Scope
    Holly_Scope Posts: 3,873 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    Hi @Stellar. It sounds as though you've spent a lot of time researching this, including the Government website which is probably the most accurate place without contacting DWP.

    There is potential to still claim UK benefits in Ireland but when looking into further, it's recommended to discuss the options with DWP. I know you want to avoid this but as ultimately you'll need to contact DWP if you progress with the move, therefore it might be best to reach out to them for absolute clarity. Sorry I couldn't be more help.

  • Stellar
    Stellar Online Community Member Posts: 340 Pioneering
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1063934#Comment_1063934

    Thanks for this. So the impression I'm getting is that to move I'd need to save up lots of money first, then live off that while going through the process.

    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1063937#Comment_1063937

    I know. But it's precisely the lack of information outside the DWP and government websites I'm trying to find help.

    Never contact the DWP for anything unless you've extensively researched beforehand and it's absolutely necessary, as they do not have your interests at heart. It's the same with all other forms of benefits.

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