The general rules, the EC rules and reciprocal arrangements are too varied and complex to cover here. Generally it is best to write to your benefit office (or to the Jobcentre if they pay your benefit), or to the Benefits Agency Pensions and Overseas Directorate (see below), for advice well before you go. Keep a copy of the letter. List the benefits you are getting, give your full name, date of birth and National Insurance number ( or pensions number). Explain the purpose of your visit, where you are going, and how long you plan to be away.

If you are going to an EEA country:

You may come under more favourable EC social security rules. These apply to the whole of the EEA which consists of the 15 member states or the European Union (EU) - Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Spain, Sweden, UK (including Gibraltar, but not the Channel Islands or Isle of Man) - together with Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein.

The EC rules apply to EEA nationals, refugees and stateless people habitually resident in an EEA country, who are, or were, employed or self-employed, and to their families. Generally you count as employed or self-employed if you have paid contributions under the UK National Insurance Scheme or are insured under a social security scheme of another EEA country.

Reciprocal agreements:

The UK has reciprocal social security agreements with some countries (including all EEA countries except Greece and Liechtenstein - the reciprocal agreement applies where you are not covered by EC rules) which may help you to be paid benefits abroad. Non-EEA countries covered by reciprocal agreements are - Australia, Barbados, Bermuda, Canada, Cyprus, Isle of Man, Israel, Jamaica, Jersey & Guernsey, Malta, Mauritius, New Zealand, Philippines, Switzerland, Turkey, USA, former Yugoslavia. There are also ‘association’ and ‘co-operation’ agreements with some other countries.

Temporary absence:

For many benefits, one of the conditions for payment of benefit while abroad is that your absence is only temporary. This term is not defined in the regulations and in deciding whether your absence is temporary, the DSS should consider all your circumstances including your intentions, the purpose of your absence and the length of the absence - an indefinite absence can still count as temporary. If the decision maker decides your absence is not temporary, you have the right of appeal.

For more information:

If you need advice, a local Citizens Advice Bureau or Law Centre may be able to help you. There are also a number of other agencies where you can get independent advice on immigration matters. Try contacting the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants or the Refugee Legal Centre, Sussex House, 39 - 45 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3FX (tel: 020 7827 9090) Advice: 020 7378 6242 Detention Line: 020 7403 2511

DSS leaflets:

There are also separate leaflets for each country covered by a reciprocal agreement with the UK.

Copies are available from your local DSS office, or from:

If you live in Northern Ireland contact Overseas Branch, social security Agency, Commonwealth House, Castle Street, Belfast BT11 DX.