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Produced by the HIVE Support Team
DISCLAIMER NOTICE
The content of any brochure or advertisements displayed in the HIVE does
not necessarily reflect the policies or the opinions of HM Government, The
Ministry of Defence or Tri Service HIVE. The accuracy of brochures displayed
is not guaranteed.
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CONTENTS
PAGE
HIVE Europe locations
4
Farewell
5
On the move
5
Preparing to move
5
Travel/accommodation
5-6
Telephone, internet & mail
6
Moving Within BFG
7
Pets
7
Who to inform
7-8
Benefits
9
Car
9 - 10
Settling in Germany
10
Privately owned firearms
10
Once in the UK
10 - 11
Financial Matters
11
Assignment order checklist
13 - 15
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HIVE EUROPE
Keeping in touch with the HIVE has never been easier.
HIVE (Location)
Email address
Tel No. Civ./Mil.
Bielefeld
[email protected]
0521 92543122/ 81 3122
Brunssum
[email protected]
003145 5262891/ 80100 2891
Fallingbostel
[email protected]
05162 9712204/76 2204
Gütersloh-Mansergh Bks
[email protected]
05241 842220/73 2220
Gütersloh-Princess Royal Bks
[email protected]
05241 842692/73 2692
Herford
[email protected]
05221 9953127/82 3127
Hohne
[email protected]
05051 962303/77 2303
Paderborn
[email protected]
05251 57191
Sennelager
[email protected]
05254 9822771/79 2771
Shape
[email protected]
003265 443984/92054233984
Last updated: Apr. 2015
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FAREWELL
This guide has been designed by HIVE, to help make your move go as
smoothly as possible. The guide is by no means exhaustive, so please let us
know if you think any additional information should be added.
ON THE MOVE
On receipt of your Assignment Order, you can start planning your move. The
check list at the back of this guide can help ensure everything is covered.
PREPARING TO MOVE
Entitled service personnel and other MOD staff will receive a Movement Order
outlining the process of moving through DIO (Defence Infrastructure
Organisation). Apply for SFA (Service Families Accommodation) using the
online e-1132 form.
Internet: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/forms
Intranet: http://defenceintranet.diif.r.mil.uk/libraries/0/Docs1/20140726.4/2012
0701-MOD%20Form%201132%20Application%20to%20Occupy%20SFAU.pdf
TRAVEL/ACCOMMODATION
Passports
If you need to apply or renew your passport, please allow plenty of time
before your move date. For advice on UK Passport applications process,
please contact your Unit Admin. or Welfare Office (UWO).
UK Entry Visas and SOFA Certificates
If you do not hold a British passport and are a citizen of a non EEA country,
your first point of contact for any information or advice on UK Entry visas and
SOFA status requirements is your Unit Welfare Office. You are advised not to
submit any application for a UK Entry Visa until you have sought advice as the
process of applying for a UK Entry Visa is subject to frequent changes.
Useful links are: http://bfgnet.de/advice/c-and-i/passports-visas.html
http://www.aff.org.uk/army_family_life/foreign_commonwealh/
European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC)
The BFG Health Service covers serving personnel and families whilst in
Germany, but for travel elsewhere or to your new posting you should take
your EHIC with you. EHIC is free of charge and valid for up to 5 years. It can
be renewed up to 6 months before expiry. Check that your EHIC is still valid
before you travel. Official website: www.nhs.uk/ehic
NB. Avoid unofficial websites, which charge to issue EHICs.
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Transit Accommodation
If you require accommodation once your furniture has been packed, please
check with your Unit Admin Office for the correct procedure. You must have a
completed JPA F008 – Non-Availability Certificate of Service Accommodation
/ Messing in order to claim Day and Night Subsistence Allowance.
http://defenceintranet.diif.r.mil.uk/libraries/2/Docs2/20140621.1/JPA
Forms_Allowances_JPAF008.doc
Service Family Accommodation in the UK
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/service-family-accommodationwelcome-pack
Moving back to your own property in the UK
If you need to give notice to tenants, allow plenty of time. If you find yourself
without accommodation, you may be able to take advantage of the temporary
housing available at the Services Cotswold Centre. www.gov.uk/housing-forservice-personnel-and-families#the-services-cotswold-centre
Renting or buying in the UK
If you are thinking of renting or buying in the UK, Moneyforce and Forces
Property Direct provide advice. Useful links: www.moneyforce.org.uk
http://www.fpdirect.uk.com/
www.gov.uk/housing-for-service-personnel-and-families
TELEPHONE, INTERNET & MAIL
Contract based:
- Give appropriate notice of your departure. Contracts must be cancelled in
writing, giving details such as name, address, contract number, etc.
- If cancelling ‘prematurely’, before the end of your contract, you will need
to pay the outstanding amount owed.
- Deutsche Telekom customers, who can prove they are posted by
attaching a copy of a posting order to their cancellation notice, will receive
a reduction to the amount payable.
- The final payment will normally equate to 3 months. Customers can pay
this upfront by obtaining the company bank account details from Deutsche
Telekom, and making a payment via their German bank account.
- Please note, cancellation policies will vary according to supplier.
- Examples of cancellation letters in English and German are available from
the HIVE and can be found on the HIVE website: www.bfgnet.de/hiveeurope (under the downloads tab)
Tip: Make note of your end-of-contract date plus the last date for termination
without paying for any unused months, so it is to hand when you get your
Assignment Order. Alternatively check online or by telephone to get those
details.
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MOVING WITHIN BFG
If you are moving within BFG, whilst you are waiting for your new address,
contact your bank and telephone/internet provider to ask about transferring
your accounts/closing your accounts.
Book removals with Agility
https://grms.agilitylogistics.com/external/agilityLoginLoad.do?section=WELCO
ME
House Contents Insurance
Inform your insurance company that you are due to move, providing dates
and new address. Check that your belongings are covered in transit.
Re-direction of Mail
Let your Unit Post Room know of your move and new address. A re-direction
service (Nachsendeservice) is available at the German Post Office for your
civilian address. For further information, please visit:
www.deutschepost.de/de.html NB: This website is in German.
PETS
Pets can enter or re-enter the UK without quarantine provided they meet the
rules of the Pet Travel scheme, which will be different depending on the
country or territory the pet is coming from. Personnel should be warned that
although vaccinations have been completed, they have to wait 21 days from
injection before travelling.
Regulations may change so you are advised to check the latest information
on the Defra website for the latest and comprehensive information on the
rules for pet travel into the UK.
Useful link: www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad or pop into your local HIVE for a
copy of ‘Guide to Pets.’
WHO TO INFORM
Medical & Dental Centre
If you are on the move, please remember to de-register at your local medical
and dental centre. In the UK, dependant’s medical and dental care is
provided by NHS practices. To register at another GP or dental surgery,
patients will be asked to complete a form stating their name and address, date
of birth and NHS number. Your medical centre can provide this before you
leave. Details of all GP practices and dental surgeries in the area can be
found at www.nhs.uk/Service-Search.
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Kindergeld (German Child Benefit)
If you are moving out of Germany, you must cancel your Kindergeld in
accordance with SI BFG 3231.
www.arbeitsagentur.de: This website has an English language page.
Alternatively, pick up a ‘Notification of Cessation of Entitlement’ form, from
your Regimental Admin Office (RAO) or Welfare Office.
UK Child Benefit
You may be in receipt of Child Benefit. You can report a number of changes
online such as change of address. You need to report each change
separately. https://www.gov.uk/child-tax-credit
Address:
Child Benefit Centre (Washington)
PO Box 1
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE88 1AA
Child Benefit Helpline: 0300 200 3100
Bank
Close accounts where necessary. Transfer the balance to new accounts.
Bills
Finalise bills such as mess, nursery, clubs etc. while your German account is
still active. Cancel any direct debits or standing orders informing the relevant
organisations.
Insurance Companies
Notify change of address and bank details where necessary. These may
include: household contents, kit, car, pets, travel and medical insurance.
Subscriptions
Notify change of address and any bank details where necessary.
JPA
Update via JPA Self Service; your new Resident Work Address (RWA);your
EC/NOK Address/Telephone/Mobile Numbers and your bank details.
School
Inform schools you are moving and provide a forwarding address for the new
school. Service Children’s Education (SCE) offer a handy Mobility Toolkit on
their website: www.sce-web.com. The school will prepare a transfer pack to
take the new school.
When researching new schools in the area you are moving to, please refer to
the CEAS website. www.gov.uk/childrens-education-advisory-service. Let the
new school know that you are in the Armed Forces as they can then access
the Service Pupil Premium. This enables State schools in England to provide
extra support for Service children. Children continue to qualify even after the
parents have left the Armed Forces, for up to a maximum of six years.
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Boarding School
If you have children at boarding school, call CEAS to request a new certificate
of eligibility to claim the Continuity of Education Allowance:
www.gov.uk/childrens-education-advisory-service
Playgroup
Inform playgroups/nurseries that you are moving. To find out about preschool education in your area contact the Children’s Information Service in
your Local Authority.
www.gov.uk/find-nursery-school-place www.gov.uk/browse/education
Clubs
Inform clubs such as Swimming, Cubs, Brownies etc. that you are moving.
Pay any outstanding bills.
BENEFITS
Jobseekers Allowance: Jobseeker’s Allowance is the main benefit you can
get if you are unemployed and looking for work. This benefit is taxable. For
more information please visit: www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance. If you are
employed in BFG, the LSU will issue you with a BFG Form 126. This
confirms your period of employment with the British Forces and reason for
leaving work. This document will be useful when visiting local Benefits Offices
in the UK. You should register as a Jobseeker at your new location within a
few days and submit your claim.
Tax Credits: Tax credits are payments from the Government. If you are
responsible for at least one child or young person, you may qualify for Child
Tax Credit. If you work, but are on a low income, you may qualify for Working
Tax Credit. Tax Credits can help families with children who need help paying
for childcare. www.hmrc.gov.uk
Tax Credit Helpline: 0345 300 3900
If you're calling from abroad please telephone: +44 2890 538 192
Please have your National Insurance number to hand.
CAR
De-Registration Of BFG Vehicles On Permanent Move Out Of BFG
On departure from BFG individuals must de-register from the BFG system
and re-register their vehicles through DVLA. You should seek advice through
your local BFG Vehicle Licensing Office. The VLO helpline is: 05254 982
2638.
The required forms for de-registration can also be downloaded from.
http://bfgnet.de/advice/vlo/
HMRC Personal Transport Unit - Special Enquiry Team: PTU in Dover has
issued a new telephone number: 03000 582 688 for their Special Enquiry
Team. This team is dedicated to handling enquiries from the Forces and
Diplomats.
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Car Insurance
Check that your car insurance is valid for residency in the UK (this is a legal
requirement to register your car with DVLA). If changing providers, remember
to get your certificate of No Claims. Shopping around for car insurance can
save money. After the first year, some insurers often increase prices. It is
therefore important to keep up to date with offers and negotiate a better deal
from your current provider, or switch. http://www.comparethemarket.com/carinsurance/
PRIVATELY OWNED FIREARMS
If you possess any Privately Owned Firearms (POF) in BFG, before exporting
to UK, you should seek advice from either the British Forces Germany
Shooting Association (BFGSA) or Provost Branch HQ British Forces
Germany. This will avoid the risk of contravening UK Firearms laws.
Contact details are:
BFGSA (General Secretary) – Mil: 94882 3913 | Civ: 05221 995 3913 |
E-mail: BFG-HQ-CGp-DComd-DLLOHerford or [email protected]
Provost Branch – Mil: 94881-2503/2 | Civ: 0521-9254-2503/2 (civil) |
E-mail: BFG-HQ-G1-Pro-0GpMailbox or [email protected]
SETTLING IN GERMANY?
If you are currently a member of British Forces Germany as military, UKBC or
dependent, you might be intending to stay in Germany, after leaving the
Force. This is formally known as a Transfer of Residence.
Tax and welfare matters vary depending on your Stadt. The Career
Transition Partnership (CTP) assists with advice on settlement in Germany,
such as employment. They have produced a guide on living in Germany
which you can find on their website. www.ctp.org.uk
NB. There are processes that you must follow in order to keep any tax and duty
relief that you received when buying high value goods or vehicles. Please contact
your local Customs and Immigration Officer for more information.
ONCE IN UK
Car Tax
www.gov.uk/importing-vehicles-into-the-uk
www.postoffice.co.uk . Click on drop down menu ‘Driving’. NB. No tax disc
required from 1 Oct 14.
MOT
Once your car is over 3 years old (or 1 year in some cases), an annual MOT
test is required. You need to use an approved MOT test centre to get your
vehicle inspected: www.gov.uk/getting-an-mot
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TV
Apply for a TV licence. This can be done online at www.tvlicensing.co.uk .
There are different options available on how to pay for the licence. These are
yearly, quarterly, monthly or weekly. You could be fined up to £1,000 for not
having a licence. A TV licence is required if you watch or record programmes
as these are broadcast, whether it's on a TV, a computer screen, phone,
tablet or games console.
Service Family Accommodation (UK)
Details can be found at: http://www.carillionamey.co.uk/
Electoral Register
In order to vote in UK elections, you need to apply to have your name on the
electoral register. Getting on the Electoral Register also helps if you need to
get a mortgage or credit card. Lenders often use the Register when
considering applications.
https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote NB. You will need your National Insurance
Number when registering.
Council Tax/CILOCT
While in SFA, families pay CILOCT (Contribution in lieu of Council Tax), to
entitle you to the full range of facilities and support normally provided by the
Local Authority.
If you live in your own or rented property, you will have to pay Council Tax.
www.gov.uk/council-tax/working-out-your-council-tax
If you have a second property you may be eligible for a 50% reduction in
council tax. For more information:
http://www.aff.org.uk/army_family_life/housing/council_tax.htm
Discounted Rail Travel
Discounted rail travel is available to Service personnel, their spouses and
dependent children by applying for an HM Forces Railcard which gives 1/3 off
the price of most rail fares: www.hmforces-railcard.co.uk
FINANCIAL MATTERS
Debt
If you are moving back to the UK with debts or outstanding liabilities, they will
follow you. It is relatively easy for a company (or debt collection agency
acting on their behalf) to obtain a judgement against you and have that
judgement transferred to a British court. It will ruin your credit rating.
Moving can be a stressful time. If you are struggling with debts, or feel that
your impending move may raise financial worries, there is help and advice
available. Please be aware of and never use companies with misleading
names that sound like debt charities but are commercial businesses.
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Where To Get Help
The Royal British Legion - Provides practical care, advice and support to
serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans of all ages and their families.
www.britishlegion.org.uk
Citizens Advice Bureau - Provides free, independent and confidential
advice. www.adviceguide.org.uk
The Step Change Debt Charity - A registered charity that provides free and
anonymous advice over the phone and online. www.stepchange.org
National Debtline - Provides a free, confidential and independent helpline for
people with debt problems. They give expert advice over the telephone and
via email and will send you a free self-help information
pack. www.nationaldebtline.co.uk
Debt Advice Foundation - A registered national debt advice charity offering
free, confidential support and advice to anyone worried about loans, credit
and debt. www.debtadvicefoundation.org
Army Welfare Service - Army Welfare Workers are trained to support and
advice on a variety of issues including debt.
www.army.mod.uk/welfare-support/23199.aspx
Resolve (UK) - Provides personal debt advice and corporate debt advice.
Resolve (UK) work closely with SSAFA (Kent Branch) and the MoD.
http://resolveuk.com/index.shtml
MoneyForce - Online support for Service personnel and families, to help
inform financial decisions and planning, both while in Service and once they
leave the armed forces. www.moneyforce.org.uk
The Money Advice Service – This is an independent organisation providing
financial advice for UK consumers. www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk
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ASSIGNMENT ORDER CHECKLIST
Travel & Accommodation
Ensure you and your family have valid passports and visas if required
Ensure you and your family have European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC)
Book transit accommodation if required
Book travel at least 12 weeks before move and keep receipts for
claims
Telephone, Internet & Mail
Transfer/arrange to disconnect (at least 3 months before you leave)
Cancel all insurance/service contracts
Cancel cable/satellite TV Contract
Check arrangements for handing over BFBS Set Top Box
Re-direct your mail
Car
De-register any vehicles permanently returning to the UK.
Please refer to http://bfgnet.de/advice/vlo/de-registration-of-vehicles.html
Notes:
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Financial Arrangements
Cancel Kindergeld payments (if applicable)
Apply for Disturbance Expenses
Cancel telephone contract & pay final bill
Close German bank account
Pay mess and nursery bills
Apply / inform benefits e.g. Tax Credits, Job Seekers Allowance
Apply for National Insurance Credits
Schools/Nurseries
Inform children’s schools/nurseries of your move
Contact schools/nurseries in new location to ensure places
If you have children at Boarding School call CEAS to request a new
certificate of eligibility to claim the Continuity of Education Allowance
Check SCE Mobility Toolkit on www.sce-web.com
Notes:
Pets
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Ensure Rabies vaccination is up to date
Pet Passport (Pet Travel Scheme) www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad/overview
Check import/export arrangements for pets
www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad
Quarantine arrangements (if required)
www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad/quarantine
Final tick/tapeworm treatment at your vet
www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad
De-register dogs at Housing and Community Support Office
Inform
Obtain clearance chit if applicable
Children’s schools/nurseries/playgroups
Medical Centre (De-register & Re-register in new location)
Dental Centre (De-register & Re-register in new location)
Insurance companies, bank subscriptions, UK Child Benefit
Inform Mess/Admin Office new address
Notes:
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We make every effort to ensure that our information is current and correct.
Your help is invaluable in keeping our records up to date by informing us of
any changes to our handouts, by sharing any additional information, which
may be of interest to others.
This guide has been produced by
The HIVE Support Team
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