went to Sweden

since2004

I am from Sweden but have lived and worked, different jobs in London since 2004.

I had to leave my work in March because it was too heavy for me and i got problems with my hands and arms. I applieded for work but got no interviews so I went to Sweden, I kept applying for work and were going to fly back if I got any interviews. Because of the flight trouble with the ashes I ended up a month in Sweden.

I realised that it was harder to find a new job than I thought it would be. I went to the jobcentre and applied for JSA contribution based and got it. I had stayed with different friends but in May I had to move to a hostel.
I applied for housing benefits, I called them yesterday and asked what is happening to my application. they had sent a letter that day, he read it to me.
They needed more information

• why had I paid different rates at the hostel? its a hostel, unless you are a long term guest you will pay different rates, I shouldnt be surprised by this question since the woman I handed the application to had no idea what a hostel was.
• show proof of your last job, why do I have to do that when I am on JSA
• when did you last enter the uk? THIS is where my question to you comes, I was not on JSA when I was in Sweden, was I not allowed to go to Sweden? I have been living in London since 2004. I was not on any benefits when I went to Sweden.

I know this was long but I am just so upset with the way they are dealing with your application. I spoke to two of them about given them my new address and they both said just call this number, when I called I was told no you have to come here and give it to us in writing.

I will go there on Friday, thats when I can use my oyster, I read somewhere that once you have given them all the information they need they have to give you some money after 2 weeks, not all but some of it, if you get a negative result you have to pay it back, is it right, the two weeks thing?

And if so when can you start counting because when I gave the application she said I had to bring bankstatement and my JSA agreement so I did and now almost three weeks later they are asking for more so when do I know that they have got all the papers they want.

I apologise for the long post.

System

I would assume that your last entry date to the UK was in 2004 because from what you have said it does not sound as if your intention was to stay in Sweden permanently. So it could be described as a holiday. They might also be trying to determine the start date of your claim and whether you were actively seeking work whilst out of the country.

The reason they want proof of your last job is so that they can see the date that job ended and that you were paying tax and national insurance when employed.