Dear VT

My heart bleeds for you. You're facing some very difficult decisions.

It's a parent's job to look after their children and one you never retire from.

Having done a fair bit of pond-hopping, I agree with Jacqui's comment above that the powers that be seem to think that everyone is desperate to live in the US! Errr well, NO, actually!

I hate to throw something else into the mix but you need to check that there are no residential requirements attached to your partner's pension which I assume is from a previous employment or a private pension scheme.

What is certain is that the UK State Retirement Pension that he will have paid for by dint of his National Insurance Contributions, presuming he has spent most of his working life in the UK, is not payable to anyone resident outside the EU.

This is going to be the subject of a re-organisation but will probably be payable when he reaches 65/66 and looks like being increased to £140 per week. A not inconsiderable sum.

One thing you can be sure of is that wherever you are, UK, US or Timbuktu, your Mudcat fiende will still be reachable!

Lots and lots of Love and huge hugs!

You will make the right decision.

Eddie