Claiming jobseekers benefit while abroad for 3 months

blackfloweruk

Hi,
I wonder if anyone could advise me.....

I took redundancy from work last September and went to France for 3 months volunteering, then claimed income based jobseekers allowance between December and March before deciding to go around Europe working on farms in exchange for food and board. I'm going back to England for a month before going to France for 3 months to work on a farm in exchange for food and board, but want to look for work while I am there and if possible claim benefit, as I've heard this can be done as I'm still in a EU country. Has anyone advice on this?? When I originally asked at the jobcentre they said it was classed as a holiday so couldn't claim anything.

Also, I was living with my parents when I left for Europe and when I queried about the council tax, they also said this was my permanent home, even though I'm only there for a month or two in a year, so still have to pay the full council tax!!

Any help most appreciated, as I really want to get this sorted out when I go back in a few weeks!

pmlindyloo

blackfloweruk wrote: »

Hi,
I wonder if anyone could advise me.....

I took redundancy from work last September and went to France for 3 months volunteering, then claimed income based jobseekers allowance between December and March before deciding to go around Europe working on farms in exchange for food and board. I'm going back to England for a month before going to France for 3 months to work on a farm in exchange for food and board, but want to look for work while I am there and if possible claim benefit, as I've heard this can be done as I'm still in a EU country. Has anyone advice on this?? When I originally asked at the jobcentre they said it was classed as a holiday so couldn't claim anything.

Also, I was living with my parents when I left for Europe and when I queried about the council tax, they also said this was my permanent home, even though I'm only there for a month or two in a year, so still have to pay the full council tax!!

Any help most appreciated, as I really want to get this sorted out when I go back in a few weeks!

You cannot claim income based JSA whilst you are looking for work in an EU country. if you were claiming contribution based JSA you may be able to claim this in France if you meet the criteria.

Were you not eligible for contribution based JSA?

See here:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/britonslivingabroad/moneyabroad/dg_4000102

As regards the Council Tax why are you paying council tax if you are living with your parents? Or do you mean that they get a reduction because you are living there?

Please clarify for further help.

Elvisia

Can you claim chommage in France, you get 55% of your original wage so it's much higher than the UK.