Benefits in France (2015, insurance, employment)

[Someoneneedy]

Hi Everyone, new to Forum

Can anyone tell me what my rights are to unemployment benefits in the UK.
I have been unemployed for over one year now, and when I lived in the UK, I claimed many years ago
all I had to do was say I was looking for work, and until I found work I could claim so called "DOLE MONEY"
for a certain period.
As we are in the EU (just about mind you), I thought all E.U. countries abide by the same rules.
but here in France I cannot get anything, So I am told. I have been to the necessary employment depts. and have been told you get nothing. Even though I have worked here for 2 years.
Can this be correct, If I were french and came to live in UK, I could claim benefits, so why not the other way around.
If I am asking this question in the wrong place then please forgive me.
As I am nearly at retirement age. if something doesn't happen soon I will have to come to UK and claim the benefits from the UK.

[Ottawa2011]

Have you been paying income tax to France or to the UK?

[Someoneneedy]

I have not paid any tax in UK for years, as I have not earned a penny for years, but employed here for 2 years just to get some money,

[oregonwoodsmoke]

Are you a citizen of the UK?

What does it mean, haven't earned any money for years but are employed just to earn some money?

[Someoneneedy]

I am a UK Citizen Living abroad at the moment.
I worked in France full time for 2 years up until last Xmas,2014 before that last worked in UK up to 2009

[reed303]

Assuming this Wikipedia page is up to date, here are the requirements for French UI benefits. No mention of EU reciprocity.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unempl...yment_benefits

Also listed here The French social security system - Unemployment insurance

If you did not work in France in all of 2015, that looks like it could be one reason for no benefits. Or maybe your age if close to retirement. Did the French not give you a specific reason for denial ?

[Londoncowboy30]

Originally Posted by Someoneneedy

I am a UK Citizen Living abroad at the moment.
I worked in France full time for 2 years up until last Xmas,2014 before that last worked in UK up to 2009

Are you still claiming benefits from the UK whilst in France?

[Someoneneedy]

I have not received benefits from anywhere or anyone since 1985.
Only income we have is my wife's UK state Pension.

[Hengist]

You should put your question to an expatriate forum.

[Someoneneedy]

I will give it a try, but looks like I will get nothing, so my French dream will end, and I will go back to UK and sponge of the state, as I am too old to get a job now.