PALMA
A BRAND new support and liaison team to deal with UK state pension and benefit related issues has been launched in Spain. Between the 9th and 11th of October they will visit Majorca, holding open days in conjunction with the local Age Concern groups in Palma, Calvia and Pollensa.
This initiative recognises the increasing migration of British retirees to Spain and that the number of British residents in Spain claiming UK pensions and benefits is expected to continue rising over the coming years.
Funded by the Department for Work and Pensions the team works closely with the International Pension Centre in Newcastle. The team will be permanently based in the British Consulates in Alicante and Malaga.
While the majority of queries will continue to be dealt with by the Newcastle office, it is clear that in some instances the concerns and issues that customers have can be complex and even more so when they involve the Spanish authorities.
International Pension Service Adviser, Martin Fitches said: The objectives of the open days are to help us gauge the demand and needs of British National Residents in Spain, raise awareness and answer general queries about UK pension and benefits. This will enable us to improve the information we provide and ensure we address the main concerns that customers living in Spain have. At the roadshows the team will be supported by a pensions expert from DWP International Pension Centre. During the visit, the team will also make contact with local Spanish authorities to improve working relationships, which will enable us to provide better information to UK nationals with regard to what they need to do, for example when registering for health care.
In total six sessions will be held over three days.
In order to provide a more personalised service, places will be limited so people wishing to sign up for the sessions will need to book a place by either calling 91 5249729 between 8am and 4pm, Monday to Friday, or emailing dwp.team.spain
Ugmail.com.
The deadline for telephone bookings is 5th October. If you decide to email, please leave your full name, number of attendees and contact telephone number in case the team needs to contact you. It will be a requirement to leave your full details on the day.
9th October
Palma
l Anglican Church, Nuñez de Balboa, 6, Son Armadans, 07014, Palma.
l Morning Session: 11am.
l Afternoon Session: 4pm.
10 th October.
Calvia
l Venue to be confirmed (likely to be Sala Palma Nova).
l Morning Session: 11am.
l Afternoon Session: 3.30pm
11 th October
Pollensa
l Neighbourhood Association, Puerto Pollensa.
l Morning Session: 11am
l Afternoon Session: 3pm.