Summary of restrictions being imposed on EEA jobseekers by the DWP
From 1 January 2014, EEA nationals entering the UK to seek work are unable to claim income-based jobseeker’s allowance (JSA(IB) until they have been resident in the Common Travel Area for three months. This also applies to UK nationals and Irish citizens coming or returning to the UK from outside the Common Travel Area. See New habitual residence test and the impact on returning UK nationals by Desmond Rutledge on the Free Movement website – click here.
From 1 March 2014 the government introduced a new minimum earnings threshold for EEA migrant benefit claimants to help ensure that benefits only go to those who are 'genuinely working. See Using the minimum earnings threshold to determine who is a ‘worker’ by Desmond Rutledge on Free Movement website– click here.
From 1 April 2014, only EEA nationals who are receiving JSA(IB) because they have a right to reside other than as a jobseeker or as a family member of a jobseeker (for example, where they retain worker status) will continue to have a right to reside for housing benefit purposes. For further information see Removal of entitlement to housing benefit for EEA jobseekers by Desmond Rutledge on the Free Movement website – click here.
