DWP issues important holiday warning for anyone on benefits

Going abroad could have an impact on future payments, those on benefits such as Universal Credit have been warned

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a warning to anyone on benefits, who is planning a holiday.

People who claim certain benefits, such as Universal Credit or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) have to notify the department if they are travelling abroad for a certain amount of time, however many people are not be aware of this.

The warning comes ahead of many choosing to take an extended break over the May half term or bank holidays, or during the summer holidays.

The DWP warns that some of these breaks could break the requirements for people's benefit claim and could potentially stop their payments.

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How long can I go abroad for, without affecting payments?

Those on Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) are still allowed to go on holidays, however will need to keep up with the requirements they agreed to when they first started to claim it.

According to DWP rules, you can continue claiming your benefit if you are away from the UK for up to 1 month.

Those who are in the intensive work group should be spending 35 to 37 hours a week looking for work, and this does not change if you go on holiday.

So claimants will likely need to show evidence that they have been looking for work while they were away such as providing their work coach with a list of jobs they have applied for.

Claimants may be required to return to attend job interviews

In some cases, a claimant could be asked to come back home for a job interview or to start work.

The DWP has said: 'Claimants must be prepared to end their absence abroad to attend job interviews or start work.

Get permission before you go

The DWP says before claimants book a holiday or flight, you should notify the department that you intend to go abroad and the reason why you are going.

If you don't, or you go abroad for longer than 1 month and the travel does not fall under the specific circumstances where it can be extended, then your Universal Credit assessment period could be reduced to nil.

Universal Credit travel and holiday rules

The Government says that your Universal Credit could be affected if you go away from your home.

In some circumstances, you may keep getting Universal Credit for up to 1 month during temporary trips abroad. This may apply:

• for some short trips
• if you have to go abroad to get medical treatment
• if you live with a member of the armed forces and go overseas with them

The Government said: 'You must contact your Case Manager or Work Coach straight away if you plan to go abroad, to check if your entitlement will be affected. You will need to continue to satisfy your work related requirements and meet your ‘Commitment’ whilst abroad.'

With regards to travel, if making a new application to receive Universal Credit, you must be in the UK on the day it's submitted. It should be fine if you travel abroad later that same day, or have come back from a holiday earlier that day.

PIP travel and holiday rules

The Government's guide to PIP states that people must inform the DWP of changes in circumstances.

Claimants must contact the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) enquiry line if:

1. personal details change, for example their name, address or doctor
2. the help they need or their condition changes
3. a medical condition has worsened and they are not expected to live more than 12 months
4. they go into hospital or a care home
5. they go abroad
6. they are imprisoned or held in detention
7. their immigration status has changed, if they're not a British citizen

'The claimant should notify us if they are planning to go abroad for 4 weeks or more'

The newly updated PIP guide says: 'We will need to know the date the claimant is leaving the country, how long they are planning to be out of the country, which country they are going to and why they are going abroad.'

It says leaving the country or planning to do so for a period of more than 4 weeks – even if this is a holiday – may affect a person's entitlement to PIP.

The rules state: 'We need to know if the claimant’s condition, the amount of help they need or their circumstances change. This is because it may change how much PIP they can get.

'A temporary absence abroad for up to 13 weeks may be allowed, or up to 26 weeks if the absence is specifically for medical treatment. The claimant should notify us if they are planning to go abroad for 4 weeks or more.'

How do I report a change in circumstances?

How you report a change in circumstances depends on the benefit you are receiving.

If you are claiming Universal Credit you can record any changes on your online journal or contact the helpline on 0800 328 5644.

You can also get in touch with your local Jobcentre Plus.

Meanwhile, if you receive PIP, you have to contact the enquiry line on 0800 121 4433.

You can also get someone to call on your behalf, but you'll need to be with them when they phone up.

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