Contacting The Team
Recent changes to our telephone system mean it is now easier for customers all over Spain to come through to the team directly. Customers who wish to speak to the PBHT should now call 902 109 356. If you experience difficulties, you can also contact us on the alternative number of 913 342 194.
Choose option 1, then option 3, then listen carefully to the next set of options to ensure you choose the correct one for your particular circumstance.
Remember, you can also contact the team by email, either via the link on our website pages, or by writing to us directly at: enquiries.social-sec.spain@fco.gov.uk
Spanish Unemployment Benefit
If you are claiming Spanish unemployment benefit (UB), but want to go to the UK to look for work, you should bear in mind the following:
* Only contributions-based UB can be exported to another country. It can normally be paid abroad for a maximum of 3 months. You will need to consult the Spanish authorities to see if it is possible to receive the benefit for longer.
* You must apply to export the benefit in writing before you are due to travel. You normally need to be registered as unemployed in Spain for at least 4 weeks before you go to the UK. If your request is accepted, you will be issued with form U2 and should take this with you to the UK.
* You must hand in the U2 form and register as looking for work with a UK Job Centre Plus office within 7 days of leaving Spain to avoid disruption to your payments. You will be paid direct by the Spanish authorities.
If you do not find work within the 3 month period and do not qualify for further Spanish UB abroad, you will need to return to Spain to reopen your claim. For more information, contact your local Spanish employment office, see www.sepe.es or call 901 11 99 99.
Launch of ACASA
Age Concern Acción Social y Asistencial (ACASA) was formally launched on 30 March 2011 at a special reception at the British Ambassador´s Residence in Madrid.
To mark the occasion, ACASA and Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association Forces Help (SSAFA Forces Help) signed an agreement formalising their partnership.
The agreement highlights that ACASA and SSAFA Forces Help have agreed to work together to help the increasing number of British residents in Spain with a military background and/or their dependents who are experiencing difficulties.
General Sir Kevin O’Donoghue, Chairman of SSAFA Forces Help commented “We are most grateful to the Ambassador for hosting this special occasion to mark the ongoing collaboration between SSAFA forces help and ACASA “. Judy Arnold Boakes MBE, President of ACASA and Patron of Age Concern España stated that “We are delighted to have been part of this event and that the work of our volunteers is both recognised and appreciated”.
At the reception, Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall met with some 300 representatives of volunteer organisations that help British residents in Spain. The event took place in the garden of the Residence, and guests enjoyed very British refreshments of tea and cakes.
The Royal British Legion
A number of Royal British Legion volunteers from across mainland Spain and the islands were delighted to attend the British Community Reception in Madrid on the 30th March at the invitation of the British Ambassador, where they had the opportunity to meet Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.
When introduced to one group of volunteers the Duchess of Cornwall asked how many volunteers The Royal British Legion has in Spain and was delighted to hear the Legion has 150 caseworkers who give of their time freely and so generously to help members of the British community in Spain who have served in the British Armed forces and their dependents.
Her Royal Highness was also impressed to learn of the success of the 2010 Poppy Appeal in Spain and most interested in examples of the problems Legion beneficiaries experience and how the Legion is able to assist them. Before moving on, the Duchess of Cornwall congratulated the Legion volunteers on their splendid work and thanked them for their efforts.
Working in Partnership
The British Consulate in Malaga was made aware of the case of an elderly gentleman whose health was deteriorating and who was in a difficult economic situation. Although he was being cared for by friends, his care needs had now become too great. The Consulate asked ACASA if they were able to help. Although the gentleman had lived in Spain for 20 years, he was not registered on the padrón and was therefore unable to gain a place in a residential home through social services. He had, however, previously served in the RAF. ACASA approached the RAF Benevolent Fund who provided funds for the repatriation of the customer to the UK, so he can be closer to friends and family. Meanwhile, the PBHT provided a pension confirmation certificate, in Spanish, to enable him to access temporary residential
3 more top tips for buying property in Spain….
Consider using a chartered surveyor: The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) exists in Spain and there are 30-40 residential chartered surveyors working across the country. Members of the RICS are qualified and experienced professionals offering independent and impartial advice. They have professional indemnity insurance and are familiar with the different legislation and practices in Spain.
Make sure you have a bank guarantee: If you are buying a property off-plan or under construction, always insist on a bank guarantee (aval bancario) to cover your stage payments. Having a bank guarantee means that if the developer does not complete the property and provide a habitation certificate within the specified timeframe you can rescind the contract and have your deposits returned.
Coastal property: If you are considering purchasing a coastal property you should contact the Demarcación de Costas in your region to get a certificate to certify that the property is not affected by the 1988 Ley de Costas (Coastal Law). Contact details are available on our website and on the Environment Ministry’s website.