Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether British citizens returning from a period living in another EU country are fully entitled immediately to receive (a) NHS treatment, (b) access to public funds and (c) a full state pension.

Access to free NHS treatment by British citizens returning here after living in another EU country depends on whether they intend to live here permanently. Their access to public funds depends on the type of benefit claimed and, for most income-related benefits, whether they are habitually resident in this country or the Common Travel Area. The state pension is contribution-based and the amount payable depends on the individual’s National Insurance record. Those already in receipt of the state pension when they return would continue to receive this at the same rate.