Guidance on the Entitlements of EEA Nationals

This guidance provides a summary of the entitlement available to enable agencies to support the needs of non-UK European Economic Area (EEA Nationals) who are rough sleeping. It should be read in conjunction with the guidance ‘Ending Rough Sleeping: the response and offer to EEA nationals’ that looks at developing a wider strategic response.

The intention is to help agencies to support people from the EEA to make informed decisions about whether to pursue welfare benefits as part of a solution to rough sleeping. It covers:

• entitlement to welfare benefits through Jobcentre Plus,
• contributory-related benefits across the European Union,
• Housing Benefit and
• housing assistance through Local Authorities.

 If an individual from the EEA is rough sleeping and destitute, potential eligibility should not deter local authorities or their partners from offering other pathways that, such as supported reconnection and help to find employment. These routes may be more appropriate and sustainable, especially as it may take some time for a claim to be processed by Jobcentre Plus. Any EEA national can make a claim, but it is important to note that only genuine job seekers will be able to maintain the conditionality requirements of JobCentre Plus.