Can benefits affect the 5 years residence period?

[cmartins]

Hello,

My name is Carlos Martins, I come from Portugal and have been working in UK since December 2007. Since that time I have been unemployed for 3 periods of time and receiving Job Seekers allowance as well as Housing allowance. In December 2012 I complete 5 years in UK, during those 5 years I will have been unemployed for around 20 months in total, I am now working 20 hours a week and soon my boss will increase my hours.

My question is will this affect my 5 years of residence? I have considered applying for British Citizenship. I read somewhere that being unemployed and receiving help from public funds affects the 5 years of residence.

Thanks for your help.

Carlos Martins