Brexit And Entitlements Obtained Through EU Social Security Coordination

With every email received from the UK Govt informing British citizens living abroad, about consequences of a Brexit where the UK leaves the EU without a deal in place. Recently re limited validity of Social Security documents, like S1 and EHIC. Both senior advisors at CAB Spain are getting increasingly concerned about the continuity of other entitlements, post Brexit that have been accredited by the Spanish Seguridad Social or the Spanish Employment Agency, based on contributions made in the UK, through the reciprocal EU Social Security Coordination scheme.

What entitlements could that be?

• • Spanish pension entitlement if not contributed in Spain for the minimum of 15 years in Spain
  • Spanish contributive disability pension if not contributed for the required minimum amount of years (absolute minimum 5 years)
  • Spanish over 55 or over 52 unemployment benefits if not contributed in Spain for the minimum of 15 qualifying years
  • Unemployment benefits exported to look for work in Spain

   

  This post is merely advisory as the UK Govt has not published any information on this subject as yet. Therefore we do suggest that those in one of the situations described above, especially the first three, contact the Embassy and ask for clarification on continuity of their benefits or pensions post-Brexit.  This in the case of a no-deal scenario, or in case of a scenario where the UK leaves the EU with a withdrawal agreement that contains a transition period. Asking to take their cases into consideration when negotiating new agreements that will come into place post-transition period.

   

   

Please note: The information provided is based upon our understanding of current legislation. It is not legal advice but is provided freely to enable you to be properly informed. We recommend that if you are considering taking action, you should seek professional advice.