Everything about calling Age UK from abroad
What the Age UK Advice Line is for
Age UK describes its Advice Line as a free, confidential national telephone service for older people, as well as their families, friends, carers and professionals. Its advisers give information on questions such as which benefits to claim and how, whether you can afford to retire, a planned hospital stay or choosing a care home. They can send Age UK's information guides or put you in touch with a local Age UK, and if they cannot help, Age UK says they will direct you to the best place for further support. The line is open 8am to 7pm every day of the year, including all bank holidays.
Moving back to the UK: what Age UK says
Age UK's guide for people returning from abroad says that a British national can return to the UK to live, but it could take a few months to re-establish rights to services such as benefits and housing, so it is best to have a plan to support yourself during that time. You might qualify for means-tested help such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction once you are back. For social care, the local council only has to assess you once you are there in person, so organising care when returning from abroad can take time.
Living abroad in retirement
Age UK's guide to living abroad after retirement says you can get your State Pension in any country, but you must tell the Department for Work and Pensions about your move, and depending on the country your pension may be frozen or linked to the cost of living. For a workplace or personal pension it says to contact your provider. It also warns that very few benefits are available while you live outside the UK: Pension Credit, for example, stops if you move overseas.
Calling a UK 0800 number from abroad
0800 678 1602 is a UK freephone number. Age UK publishes no international number for the Advice Line and does not give a time zone for its hours. From a foreign network, a UK 0800 number may not connect, depending on your provider.
What Losali does with this line
Losali is an independent dialler that works in a web browser. Your call travels over the internet and Losali's telecom carrier connects it to 0800 678 1602 in the UK, so all you need is a data connection. There is no app to install and no UK SIM card to buy. Minutes are prepaid and there is no subscription.
- The name and UK postcode of the person you are calling about, if it is a parent or relative.
- Any benefits or pensions they already get.
- The date you plan to move back, if you are returning to the UK.
- The opening hours: 8am to 7pm, every day of the year.
Other ways in
Age UK publishes its information guides and factsheets online, including a factsheet on returning from abroad, and its website finds local Age UK services by postcode. Free interpreted calls are available through its partner Wordskii. Age UK also runs The Silver Line Helpline for anyone who is feeling lonely or needs support, at any time of day or night. Its national partners are Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI.
What kind of number is this?
Freephone 0800 / 0808. Free to call from inside the UK. Losali shows the price before the call starts.