Can I Claim Jobseekers Allowance When Overseas?

The shock of being made redundant and the emotional impact it may have on you might tempt you to throw caution to the wind and get away for a few weeks, or even months.

Just because you intend to start claiming or are already claiming jobseeker’s allowance it does not mean that you have to hide away and confine yourself to your quarters.

In some circumstances you may be eligible to still claim jobseekers allowance from overseas, whether your trip is for a holiday or seeking work.

These few questions should help you decide whether you are eligible for jobseeker’s allowance abroad.

1) Have You Already Started Claiming Jobseeker’s allowance in the UK?

• A) Yes, I registered over four weeks ago
• B) I only registered a couple of weeks ago
• C) I have not yet registered but intend to

2) Do You Know What Type of Allowance You Are Entitled to?

• A) I am entitled to contribution-based jobseeker’s allowance
• B) I am not sure yet
• C) I am only entitled to income-based jobseeker’s allowance

3) Why Are You Going Abroad?

• A) To look for work
• B) To look for work but also a holiday
• C) A holiday

4) Which Country Are You Going to?

• A) The country is within the European Economic Area
• B) I’m not sure if it is classed outside the EEA
• C) It is outside the EEA

5) How Long Do You Plan To Go Abroad For?

• A) Under three months
• B) Around three months
• C) Over three months

Your Answers

Mostly A – Your Claim Should Not Be Affected

From your answers it sounds like nothing should be holding you back from getting on a plane and discovering what a new country has to offer.

Contributions based jobseeker’s allowance is much easier to claim while overseas because it is based on how much National Insurance you have paid in the last two tax years, so in many ways you are entitled to it.When you register with your local job centre they should tell you whether you are entitled to income based or contributions based allowance.

You will need to register for jobseeker’s allowance at least four weeks before you travel abroad and be able to work up until the day you leave the country. You will only be able to claim for up to three months and the country must fall within the EEA.

Although in some cases it is possible to claim the allowance if you are not looking or work, but one of the first visits you make abroad should be to the country’s local job centre where you can register for work and start claiming the allowance.

Mostly B – It Might Be Too Early To Start Packing Your Bags

It sounds like there are still a few question marks over your employment situation and your intentions when you move overseas.

If you have not registered or been claiming jobseeker’s allowance for at least four weeks you might need to put your plans on hold, as to claim abroad you will have need you have been claiming in the UK for at least four weeks. You will also need to find out exactly what type of allowance you are entitled to, as income based allowance is very rarely transferable to another country.

Whether you are going for holiday or for work, you must make yourself known to the country and check it falls inside the EEA to be able to claim.

Mostly C – You Might Want To Unpack Your Bags

It sounds like you are going abroad for more of a holiday then to actively seek out work. If you have been told in the UK you are not entitled to income-based jobseeker’s allowance it is almost 99% certain that you will not be able to claim jobseeker’s allowance abroad.

You should also rule out any possibility of being able to claim the benefit if you plan to travel outside of the EEA. If you have just been made redundant you should look at your finances carefully to check that you can afford to travel overseas.

Looking for work in another country doesn’t have to be scary. If you have had enough of the depressing UK climate and seek something new it might be time to think about looking for work abroad. If you are entitled to contributions-based jobseeker’s allowance you will have a timeframe of about three months in which you can claim the allowance overseas.

Jobseeker’s allowance may not be as substantial as a wage, but it can be a valuable accessory is you are out for work overseas.