I have a client who is British but lived in Greece for 25 years. She arrived here last week and wishes to stay to take care of elderly relatives, both on Attendance Allowance. If she claims Carer's Allowance, can her residence in Greece count for the 6 month residence condition in Britain to allow immediate qualification for Carer's Allowance (providing her habitual residence is accepted?

I think EEC Regulation 1408/71 (that concerns the co-ordination of social security benefit entitlement) might help.

Article 10a relating to special non-contributory benefits (which includes carer's allowance) states -

'10a
1. Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 10 and Title III, persons to whom this
Regulation applies shall be granted the special non-contributory cash
benefits referred to in Article 4(2a) exclusively in the territory of the Member
State in which they reside, in accordance with the legislation of that State,
provided that such benefits are listed in Annex IIa. Such benefits shall be granted by
and at the expense of the institution of the place of residence.

2. The institution of a Member State under whose legislation entitlement to
benefits covered by paragraph 1 is subject to the completion of periods of employment,
self-employment or residence shall regard, to the extent necessary, periods of
employment, self-employment or residence completed in the territory
of any other Member State as periods completed in the territory of the first
Member State.'

Thanks for that. It reads quite hopefully (if I am reading it right).