Well...as far as I am aware, this information has come from the pension HQ in Newcastle. Apparantly, as a state pensioner (and this does not include additional benefits - only the standard state pension) you are allowed to wander freely outside of the UK for a total of 6 months within the year, after which you then have to notify the pension authorities in Newcastle as to your whereabouts beyond the 6 month period. I´ve been told that out of the 6 months "leave" you are only given a maximum 3 month period at any one time. I am now under the impression from this information that beyond this 6 month period you have to notify the authorities (Big Brother again) so they are aware you are not in the UK beyond this period of leave ?

I´m currently researching the web for more solid info - but the problem is that the rules are changed so quick these days!