Recent casework of Help has again reminded us of the advice given by the British Consulate in Alicante regarding British citizens resident in Spain returning to the UK because they have increased care needs or financial problems. These people normally are required to fund themselves for the first three months on return to the UK as they will only be entitled to social services help,such as free residential care or housing benefit or council housing after a period of three months back in the UK. This is known as the Habitual Residency Test. Even people who are quite disabled such as being confined to a wheelchair or needing kidney dialysis have found themselves homeless on returning to the UK. However hospital care if needed is available from day one of return, but should be arranged in advance. For further information contact the British Consul in Alicante on 965 216 022