UK, no tribunals in France

THE British Justice Ministry has turned down an MP’s request that tribunal hearings into disability benefit reinstatement be held in France. This relates to the right of expats to claim benefits like disability living allowance.

While this is in theory now possible, due to a European Court of Justice ruling, some people who had theirs stopped on leaving the UK are still experiencing difficulties in gaining reinstatement, due to technicalities, or full backdating of their claims. MP Roger Gale said he was still trying, but was not “wildly hopeful”. “In the meantime some claimants are, quite literally, dying before their appeals are heard,” he said. “It is not a happy circumstance.”

Michael Taylor from the Mayenne, whose son Jason has had his benefit partially restored, said they were offered a hearing in London relating to a remaining “mobility” part, but they cannot justify the expense. “It was not worth it as it was a fairly small amount in Jason’s case, though it is more for some others, and we are able to drive him around. “It would be good if hearings could be held in France. Expenses are only available for UK travel and getting there costs an arm and a leg. People feel let down and that the government does little to help.”