New EU migrants and claiming benefits
I'm afraid you did not look into the matter closely enough. I volunteer in a local 'CAB' type of community organisation, and the info below is supplied below is based on a certain database used by the CAB network. 1. As a newly arrived European Union migrant, you are *formally* admitted for 6 months initially,providing that you can self-finance your stay, without recourse to assistance - i.e. claiming social security benefits. this period is meant to allow you enough time to find a job and settle in. this does not contradict the principle of free movement. 2. Most EU nationals arriving in the UK [or anywhere else within the EU] were also residents in the EU, with some record of paying or being credited with social security contributions in their own countries, this credit is 'transferable' across Europe. 3. There is a big issue with EU nationals residing outside Europe who did not contribute to any EU social security system. 4. therefore, your entitlement to a non income based job seeker allowance is doubtful, and you should seek expert advice. The system has been changed frequently,and the rules are complex- see [1] to [3] . The rules are likely to change in Jan or April 2011 again. Housing benefit entitlement depends on your entitlement to Job-seekers Allowance. Following political outcry, the govn't here reduced greatly the instances where non residents [within the meaning of the immigration act1971] can claim almost instantly various benefits such as job seekers or housing benefits. Bear in mind that people here do not look kindly on this sort of thing- i.e. a newly arrived 'foreigner' claiming benefits without having paid a penny into the system. If a potential employer or agency finds out that you are one of those, it might be the 'deciding issue' on which candidate to choose. yes, it is prejudice. Practically, the on going process of claiming benefit, attending weekly session, additional compulsory courses, you might be unlucky enough to be placed in a job like road sweeping or stocking shelves at the local supermarket- paying minimum wages- is it really worth it? My strong advice is to save enough money to allow 6 month survival without work. It will be a lot easier, and more straightforward. regards