What UK benefits can you claim?

Those that cannot be claimed abroad include Pension Credit, Council Tax Reduction, Income Support and Housing Benefit and income-based Employment Support Allowance.
A British state pension or government service pension can be claimed in France (and paid into a French bank account). Expats’ state pensions are dealt with by the International Pension Centre, IPC (see previous section “Who should you tell in the UK?”).

Other benefits can be claimed under certain circumstances. For full criteria speak to the relevant agency or visit www.gov.uk/living-in-france They include:

- The following disability benefits:
Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance and Disability Living Allowance (care component, not mobility) which is now called Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for new claimants. Eligibility may depend on your National Insurance record unless you are also entitled to a state pension, ESA, or certain other UK benefits. Information may be obtained on: 0044 (0)345 712 3456 (DLA)
0044 (0)345 605 6055 (AA)
0044 (0)345 608 4321 (CA)
0044 (0)191 218 7766 (PIP)

Questions may also be sent to the Department for Work and Pensions’ exportability team. See: gov.uk/exportability-team
French disability benefits may be available to disabled people who can show stable residence for at least three months, if they are not eligible for a similar British one - bodies called Maison départementale des personnes handicapées can help you work out entitlements.

- Contributions-based Jobseeker’s Allowance; for three months only (if you register as a jobseeker in France). Contact Jobcentre Plus before moving.
- Maternity Allowance or statutory maternity pay (the latter only if you work for a British employer, who can advise). Details from Jobcentre Plus.
- In certain restricted cases, Child Benefit (if you are also entitled to certain other UK benefits). Contact the Child Benefit Helpline – 0044 (0)161 210 3086.
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit. Contact the office paying it before going abroad, or the IPC.
-Contributions-based ESA (the right to claim it long-term may depend on your National Insurance record).
- Bereavement Allowance or Payment.
For information, call 0044 (0)191 218 7608.
The Winter Fuel Payment used to be paid to British people who lived in France but it was stopped as of winter 2015/16 on grounds that France is “too hot”. There are ongoing attempts to contest this but they have been overshadowed by Brexit. In general it is impossible to say how exportable benefits may be impacted by Brexit, as this would form part of the negotiations between the UK and EU.