The UK and Cyprus Social Security Agreement: What You Need to Know
If you’re a UK national working in Cyprus or a Cypriot working in the UK, the social security agreement between these two countries will have a significant impact on your social security entitlements.
The agreement between the UK and Cyprus aims to protect the social security rights of individuals who work or have worked in both countries. This means that you can avoid paying social security contributions twice and can receive benefits from both countries.
Here’s everything you need to know about the UK and Cyprus Social Security Agreement:
What is the UK and Cyprus Social Security Agreement?
The social security agreement between the UK and Cyprus is designed to prevent individuals from paying social security contributions twice. It ensures that nationals of both countries who work or have worked in one or both countries can receive benefits that they are entitled to.
The agreement covers the following social security benefits:
– UK state pension
– Cyprus old-age and disability pensions
– UK maternity allowance and bereavement benefits
– Cyprus child and maternity allowances
Who is eligible for the agreement?
To be eligible for the UK and Cyprus Social Security Agreement, you must:
– Be a national of either the UK or Cyprus
– Be working or have worked in one or both countries
– Be paying or have paid social security contributions in one or both countries
How does the agreement work?
Under the agreement, if you are working in the UK, you will only need to pay social security contributions to the UK. Likewise, if you are working in Cyprus, you will only need to pay social security contributions to Cyprus.
If you have worked in both countries and paid social security contributions in both, the agreement ensures that you can receive social security benefits from both countries. For example, if you have worked in the UK and Cyprus and are entitled to a UK state pension and a Cyprus old-age pension, you will receive both pensions.
How do you apply for benefits?
To apply for benefits under the UK and Cyprus Social Security Agreement, you need to contact the relevant authorities in the country where you are currently residing. These authorities will then liaise with the authorities in the other country to ensure that you receive the benefits you are entitled to.
In conclusion, the UK and Cyprus Social Security Agreement is an essential document for UK nationals working in Cyprus and Cypriots working in the UK. It ensures that individuals do not pay social security contributions twice and can receive benefits from both countries. If you are eligible for the agreement, make sure to contact the relevant authorities to apply for your entitlements.