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Returning British Citizen questions

Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2017 6:15 am
by sadmanonatrain
Sorry if this type of question doesn't fit anywhere on this board but I figured someone could help me with some information.

I left the UK in 09/2013. I am a British Citizen who has an English Mother and German Father living in the UK. I was born in Germany and have lived in the UK for 11 years before 'travelling'. My Passport says British Citizen.

I heard that after not having lived in the country for 5 years I wont be entitled to any benefits? (I guess that's understandable). If so what would one need to do to fix that? Are there any other issues I'd need to be aware of when returning? Is the 5 year limit correct?

Thank you.

Re: Returning British Citizen questions

Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2017 7:21 am
by alterhase58

Re: Returning British Citizen questions

Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2017 11:37 pm
by Indguru90
sadmanonatrain wrote: I heard that after not having lived in the country for 5 years I wont be entitled to any benefits? (I guess that's understandable). If so what would one need to do to fix that? Are there any other issues I'd need to be aware of when returning? Is the 5 year limit correct?

Thank you.
No. You will however need to satisfy the habitual residence test, which is in two parts: first, you must have a right to reside (you have the right of abode and hence a right to reside). Second, you must intend to settle in the UK (or elsewhere in the Common Travel Area) and make it your home for the time being. If you are not a worker or self-employed, you will normally have to wait three months before claiming benefits.

The article on Colin Yeo's blog alterhase has some general info on this, see also https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benef ... ence-test/.