Noticias de la Cámara

The British Benevolent Fund: Brexit and loss of benefits

11/05/2023 bbr_1

The British Benevolent Fund has over a century of providing emergency financial relief for Britons in Spain who have no other recourse – to find solutions for people who are in a desperate situation and who see no way out.

Money can’t buy love but it can be an enabler for people who have found themselves in difficulties.

Many of the cases these cases are triggered by illnesses, breakdown in relationships, loss of jobs and bereavement.

Into that mix comes Brexit, which for some Britons who have been living in Spain mean that if they are not resident under the terms of the withdrawal agreement, they have to face the prospect of being classed as illegally staying in Spain.

If that wasn’t enough – for vulnerable people – many of whom are advanced in years means that they no longer have access to Spanish state support and healthcare that they might have been eligible for before.

This means some difficult decisions for those that need care, housing, and support to return to the UK where many have not lived for years if not decades.

Many are under the illusion that they will be automatically entitled to UK benefits including crucially access to housing.

The UK´s welcome for returning vulnerable Britons is far from what the extends to other nationalities.

The Habitual Residency Test means that a returning British national may have to wait for up to 3 months before they can be eligible.

The BBF will help those who have no other resources, and we are increasingly being asked to help them in the UK whilst their applications are processed.

These are people who have long lost touch with their networks at home and could face homelessness on arrival without our support.

One such is Tom, a 60-year-old Briton who left the UK nearly 40 years ago and has been told by his local authority he can only apply for housing and other benefits when he arrives.

He has multiple medical issues which need continual treatment as well as aggressive MS which will mean permanent disability – he needs to get home for treatment – but the Habitual Residence Test means he will have to overcome an enormous hurdle with no income, savings or resources.

We can only help people like Tom with your support – if you would like to help him and others with a donation, please visit our website www.britishbenevolentfund.org. Thank you for any help you can give.

Olaf Clayton, Chair BBF

 

We can only help through your generosity https://www.britishbenevolentfund.org/donatetoday


Socios Patrón

  • Brico Depôt
  • Hays España
  • Arriva a DB Company
  • Savills
  • Sage
  • HSBC Bank
  • Banco Sabadell
  • Telefónica
  • Iberdrola
  • Canon
  • El Corte Inglés
  • Lopez Landa Interiors
  • AstraZeneca
  • Santander
  • Diageo
  • Plain Concepts
  • GSK
  • Gleeds Ibérica
  • JCB
  • Cuatrecasas
  • EAE Business School
  • Mondragon Corporación
  • Pearson
  • Mitie
  • Selier Abogados
  • PwC
  • Oxford University Press

Socios Corporativos

  • Pinsent Masons
  • Colt Technology Services
  • TSL Projects Spain
  • Uhy Fay & Co
  • PKF Attest
  • Croda Ibérica
  • H10 Hotels
  • EY
  • Engage Independent School
  • Spectrum IFA Group
  • BAT
  • Control Group
  • Safetykleen
  • Value Retail
  • Parque Tecnológico de Andalucía
  • UAL Awarding Body
  • Agencia de Innovación y Desarrollo de Andalucía IDEA
  • Invest Northern Ireland
  • Allergy Therapeutics Iberica
  • Cabrera Rodriguez ETL Global
  • Ferrovial
  • Araex Grands
  • A&O Shearman
  • CaixaBank
  • AFI, Analistas Financieros Internacionales
  • McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Málaga
  • Kreab Worldwide
  • EGD Logistics
  • Schüco
  • Indra
  • Grant Thornton
  • CMAC Group
  • Presstour
  • David Lloyd
  • British Council
  • Menzies LLP
  • PageGroup
  • MARCO Agency
  • Gilmar Real Estate
  • Arup
  • Brand Finance
  • Barrilero & Asociados
  • Adlanter
  • Cognita Schools
  • ISP Schools
  • Holiday World Resort
  • Flutter
  • BT Global Services
  • BDO
  • Currencies Direct
  • Segro Spain Management
  • ERM
  • BSI Group Iberia
  • Gómez-Acebo & Pombo
  • Baker Tilly
  • Ayming España
  • Barclays
  • Sacyr
  • Uría Menéndez Abogados
  • Berkeley Energía
  • Kensington School
  • Mazars
  • Lightsource bp
  • Brunswick Group
  • Bunzl Distribution Spain
  • Oak House School
  • Redshaw Advisors
  • ETL Global
  • Agbar
  • Cubico Sustainable Investments
  • Lloyd’s Insurance Company SA, Sucursal en España
  • Rentokil Initial
  • Roman
  • Aon España
  • Smith & Nephew
  • Boult Wade Tennant
  • De Cotta McKenna y Santafé
  • Gamma
  • IQS
  • Grupo Hospitalario HLA
  • Globeducate British International School
  • IESE Business School
  • Vueling Airlines SA
  • Haleon