Polish citizens leaving Britain are being advised by a Polish government website to check whether they can claim Jobseeker’s Allowance before returning home. The guidance on British benefits has triggered criticism in the UK because some eligible EU nationals can continue receiving certain payments for up to three months after moving to an EU country.
The advice appears on Powroty, a Polish government website aimed at citizens living abroad who are considering a return to Poland.
It tells people leaving the UK that “it is worth considering whether you are eligible for Jobseeker’s Allowance”.
The website also says the UK unemployment benefit is higher than the equivalent payment in Poland and warns that people must apply before they leave Britain.
It says: “It’s important to apply for it before leaving. Once you return to Poland, you won’t be able to start the benefits process.”
The guidance has caused anger among some MPs and campaigners, who argue that UK taxpayers should not be helping fund job searches outside Britain.
But the rules are not open to everyone. Claimants must meet strict conditions before Jobseeker’s Allowance can be paid abroad.
Who can claim Jobseeker’s Allowance abroad?
Under current rules, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance cannot be claimed abroad.
However, New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance may be paid in the European Economic Area or Switzerland for up to three months if a claimant meets the conditions.
These include being entitled to the benefit on the day they leave, registering as a jobseeker before departure, looking for work in the UK up to the day they leave, and registering with the equivalent jobcentre in the country they move to.
The person must also be covered by the post-Brexit Withdrawal Agreement.
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This means the benefit is not automatic. It is linked to previous National Insurance contributions and other eligibility rules.
Anyone leaving the UK while receiving benefits must tell Jobcentre Plus or the office that pays the benefit. People leaving Britain may also need to tell HMRC.
Failure to report a move abroad can lead to benefit problems and may be treated as fraud if someone is dishonest about their circumstances.
The row has become politically sensitive because many Polish citizens have returned home since Brexit.
Poland has been trying to attract back workers and professionals after years of emigration to Western Europe, including the UK.
The country’s economy has grown strongly over recent decades, and its government has introduced incentives for people who return.
One measure is known as “ulga na powrót”, or return relief. It gives some returning residents a tax break for a limited period, depending on their circumstances.
Supporters of Poland’s approach say the country is simply giving practical information to citizens who have worked abroad and may have built up legal rights.
Critics in Britain see it differently. They say the guidance encourages people to make use of the UK welfare system even after they have decided to leave the country.
A UK Government spokesman was reported as saying that Brexit benefit rules should not be treated as a “mechanism to maximise claims on British taxpayers”.
Poland has rejected the suggestion that people are returning mainly because of benefits.
Polish officials said citizens were moving back because of “attractive job opportunities”, long-term economic growth, family ties and public safety.
The issue is likely to feed into wider arguments about migration, welfare rules and the legacy of Brexit.
Before Britain left the EU, many Polish citizens came to the UK for work after Poland joined the bloc. Since Brexit, some have stayed, while others have returned home.
For ordinary readers, the key point is that the rule does not mean anyone can simply move to Poland and start claiming UK unemployment benefit.
People must already qualify, apply before they leave, meet the contribution rules and continue looking for work under the proper system.
The public debate is now likely to focus on whether the current rules are fair, whether they are being used as intended, and whether the UK Government should review them.
Anyone planning to leave the UK while claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance should check official guidance, tell the relevant benefit office before travelling and make sure they understand the conditions before relying on any payment.
