EU claimants having benefits stopped because they're not British citizens?

[rooibos]

This is third hand information, taken from a reputable forum (rightsnet.org.uk) on which I have no posting rights.

https://www.rightsnet.org.uk/forums/viewthread/12959/

Hi
I haven’t been here for a long time, but today have been asked this question by a client from the Czech Republic.
The client has lived in the UK for around 15 years, worked for over 5 years, and has got permanent residence card.
The client has been getting JSA for a number of years as the client is 5 years from retiring.

The Jobcentre today told the client that she must have a British passport to continue claiming benefits.
I am absolutely gobsmacked as I believe this to be incorrect advice.

can someone please let me know if I am wrong and if I’m not wrong, how to challenge this?

thank you

Experience tells me (I had a brief stint as adviser in the welfare to work sector) that if something like this appears on rightsnet, there are already tens if not hundreds of similar cases around.