Accessing Health Care as a Dependant
You might remember from previous editions of the newsletter that those in receipt of a UK State pension or benefit, as well as those who have recently made national insurance contributions in the UK, may be entitled to a form from the UK (now known as an S1), which gives them full, free access to the Spanish healthcare system.
But what happens if you are not in receipt of such a pension or benefit, nor are you working and paying into the Spanish system? Just being registered as a resident does not give you the automatic right to free state healthcare in Spain. Well, it is worth bearing in mind that if you are living with someone who is entitled to free healthcare, you may be able to gain free access to the system as their dependant:
If you live with someone who is paying contributions in Spain:
Speak to the INSS (Instituto Nacional de la Seguridad Social) to find out if you are eligible to be included as a dependant under Spanish law – www.seg-social.es
If you live with a UK State Pensioner:
If you are the spouse or civil partner of a UK State Pensioner, call the International Pension Centre (0044 191 218 7777) for a dependant S1 form.
If you are an unmarried partner, family member or live with someone you are economically dependant on, contact the INSS to see if you are eligible for free healthcare.
If you live with a posted worker or early retiree who has recently paid contributions to the UK:
Contact the INSS to find out if you are eligible for free healthcare.
NOTE: We are aware that some British nationals are having trouble registering as a dependant on the S1 form of a posted worker or early retiree. We are currently working with the UK and Spanish authorities to resolve this issue.
For more information on healthcare please see http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk or contact your local PBH team.
Means-Tested, Unemployment Benefit
If you have worked and paid contributions in Spain, you may be entitled to unemployment benefit if you lose your job. However, what many people don’t realise is that when the contributions-based benefit runs out, if you are still looking for work, and on a low income and have family responsibilities (for example, you are supporting a spouse or dependant children) orare over 45, you may continue to be entitled to benefit. This benefit is called subsidio de desempleo por agotamiento de la prestación contributiva and is a means-tested unemployment benefit available through INEM.
For more information, visit www.sepe.es
What is a Life Certificate?
A life certificate is quite simply a form sent to UK State Pensioners to check their continued eligibility to receive a pension. Sometimes the DWP will send this form to a pensioner if they have lost contact with them, e.g. they have not received a response to other correspondence. For this reason, it is important you update the International Pension Centre with any change in your contact details.
What do I do if I receive a life certificate?
First of all, don’t panic! It doesn’t necessarily mean your pension has been stopped. However, if you fail to respond to a life certificate request, your pension may be suspended until the life certificate is returned.
You should complete the certificate in one of two ways:
either: sign the declaration in front of a witness. Please note, the witness must be one of the officials named on the form, otherwise the form may not be accepted in the UK
Or: Get a Certificado de fé y vida from the local Civil Registry. Search for your local Civil Registry at www.mju.es. If you choose this option, you do not have to have your signature on the UK form witnessed. Just inform the DWP of any changes in your circumstances and send both forms back.
The life certificate does come with full instructions on how to complete it and providing you return it within 8 weeks of the date of the letter, you will find there is no disruption to your pension payments.
Good News Story
PBHT were asked to help with a pension claim case dating back to 2006. Although the customer is receiving her UK pension, her Spanish pension claim had become severely delayed. The case involved extensive work by team members in both Madrid and Málaga to liaise with both the UK and Spanish authorities. The customer’s Spanish pension has now been awarded and will be backdated to 2006.
Upcoming Events
PBHT Malaga and Alicante will be attending the following outreach events:
El Perelló, Cataluña – 26th October
Roses, Cataluña – 27th October
Keep an eye out for more events in your area soon on http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk
So, how can you make a difference and make sure we all live longer, healthier lives? Becoming an Age Concern España Volunteer Caseworker means working in the community to provide support for older English speakers. The Casework Service can provide help and advice and attempts to source financial aid where possible. By spending time with those elderly people in the community who are isolated and giving them local practical help, you can make someone’s life more enjoyable and energetic.
Age Concern España also has a number of local organisations across Spain (Estepona, Torrevieja, Mallorca, Menorca & Ibiza) who organise a number of different social activities to bring people together. These include day trips‚ lunches and social activities such as bingo. Why not pop along and join in. To find your nearest Age Concern Organisation visit www.acespana.org or call 902 003 838 (calls charged at a local rate).
British Consulate/Age Concern España Partnership Project (BC/ACPP) Project
Socialising Leads to Longer Life
Did you know that chatting with friends and family, helping out neighbours and getting to know acquaintances can lead to a longer life?
A recently published study in the US has found that people who regularly socialise and form close relationships with friends and family will reach an older age than those who don’t. In fact, being socially isolated can be more harmful than never exercising and as unhealthy as smoking 15 cigarettes a day!
A researcher in the project, Timothy Smith, said “We take relationships for granted as humans – we’re like fish that don’t notice the water. That constant interaction is not only beneficial psychologically but directly to our physical health.”
If that isn’t enough of a reason to get out and about and chinwagging with your friends, I don’t know what is! But some older people don’t always have that cuppa and a chat to hand.
Sarah Rogers, Country Casework Manager for Age Concern Espa–a, says volunteers from across the Age Concern España network tell her that many older people in Spain feel like they miss out on social support and interaction because their friends and family are back in the UK. We certainly know that not having a confident grasp of the Spanish language means some find it more difficult to integrate. Unfortunately, we also know of some people who have simply been abandoned by relatives, because they can no longer afford appropriate care.
Caring in Spain
In Feb 2009, the findings of research commissioned by The Royal British Legion were outlined in a report, ‘Caring in Spain’.
The research identified that a significant problem facing many members of the ex service community in Spain is one of isolation and loneliness. This is certainly very apparent among many of the beneficiaries who the RBL assist in Spain. There are a numbers of factors which often contribute to the loneliness, such as:
* Death of a spouse /partner
* Solitary living in isolated locations.
* The language barrier which often leads to lack of integration in the local community and lack of communication.
* Loss of family – sadly many individuals are estranged from family members or find it difficult to maintain these relationships when they move abroad.
* Lack of disposable income can also impact on individuals’ ability to socialise.
Have you considered joining The Royal British Legion?
Anyone can join the Royal British Legion – you do not have to be serving or to have served in the British armed forces (you do, however, have to have served in order to be eligible as a beneficiary)
The Royal British Legion in Spain has 37 branches within its two districts – District South & District North – covering Andalucía, Murcia and Valencia.
Being a member of a branch provides a great opportunity to meet new friends and to socialise with others on a regular basis- and to take part in the many and varied social and fund raising activities- arranged by individual branches.
Whilst volunteering is not everyone’s cup of tea, a number of members do find that they also enjoy being a volunteer, whether it is as a Poppy Collector, Caseworker or Hospital and Housebound Visitor. And if you need convincing, the advantages of this work have been highlighted in this month’s contribution by the Age Concern Country Caseworker manager.
Getting Involved
If you would like information about volunteering opportunities please contact Sarah Rogers at ccm@ageconcern-espana.org. If you would like to help us help others, you can make a donation at: Banca March, Plaza Major, 8, 07650 Santany’, Mallorca. Account: 0061 0038 28 0087640110 IBAN: ES55 0061 0038 2800 8764 0110, SWIFT: BMARES 2M.
The Royal British Legion
The information provided in this publication is given in good faith. At the time of publication, all efforts have been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate. The contributors of this document accept no liability for the content of this publication, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.
For further information on membership and the location of your nearest Legion branch in Spain go to:
http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/spain-South.
http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/spain-North.
For welfare enquiries, contact Donna Wilson: dmwilson@britishlegion.org.uk