Two considerations are applicable when dealing with a claim from an EEA national who is economically inactive, eg a retired person or lone parent.
Self-sufficiency: The Directive stipulates that the amount of resources deemed sufficient shall not be higher than the threshold below which nationals of the host Member State, eg the UK, become eligible for social assistance, eg IS, JSA(IB), HB, CTB and State Pension Credit, taking into account the personal circumstances of the applicant and, if appropriate, their family members
Unreasonable Burden: EEA nationals who are economically inactive only have a right to reside when they and their family members have sufficient resources to avoid becoming a burden on the social assistance system. Each case is considered on its own merits and considerations can include the length of time they will be dependent on public funds. If EEA nationals claim benefit after being in the UK for some time, the fact that they have been self-sufficient will be a factor in a decision on whether the burden is reasonable, as will the length of time that they are likely to be claiming benefits. EEA nationals who have no prospect of finding work or becoming self-sufficient may be considered an unreasonable burden on the state