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well looks like all change again phoned again to make sure and this time got completely different answer. Seems after all one can claim over the phone even from abroad!
Look like some of their advisers could with doing some training as some dont know their ass from their elbows and give out wrong info. Luckily got a helpful chap who knew his stuff and he made appointment to call Wed. Just shows you when dealing with any government Dept, always best to double check!!