The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has strict rules for holidaying when you claim a benefit, and failing to follow them could affect your benefit payments
News
William Morgan Reporter and Ruby Flanagan
01:02, 15 Jan 2025
People receiving money through the Department for Work and Pensions have rules to consider before going on holiday(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Ahead of the summer holidays, benefit claimants need to know the rules that apply when going abroad. Many people are looking forward to a sunny getaway, but for those claiming benefits, it’s a bit more complicated than just booking a flight.
This is due to rules set by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about going on holiday while receiving benefits. If you don’t follow these rules, your benefit payments could be affected.
One important rule is telling the authorities about any changes in your situation, including going abroad. We have put together some information on the rules for going abroad when claiming Universal Credit.
READ MORE: DWP reveals payment dates for pensions and benefits with a ‘change’ expected soon
According to government guidelines, you can get Universal Credit for up to a month if you leave the country, but you must already be eligible for the benefit, continue to be eligible while abroad, and tell your work coach about your trip. You can get Universal Credit for an extra month if a close relative dies while you’re away and it wouldn’t be “reasonable” to expect you to return to the UK, reports the Mirror.
If you’re planning a holiday you should alert the DWP(Image: Getty Images/Blend Images RM)
Additionally, while abroad, you need to stick to the terms of your “claimant commitment”. The DWP has outlined what you need to do to ensure you receive your Universal Credit payments.
If these steps are not followed, your Universal Credit payments could be reduced. Those in an “intensive work search group” are expected to dedicate 35-37 hours a week to job hunting – even while on holiday.
This means providing evidence of your job search activities, such as a list of jobs you’ve applied for. In extreme cases, a claimant might be asked to return home for a job interview or to start work.
According to the rules, you can claim Universal Credit for up to six months if you’re going abroad for medical treatment, if you’re going abroad for “approved convalescence” as recommended by a healthcare professional, or if your partner or child is going abroad for medical treatment or approved convalescence and you’re accompanying them.
If you fail to inform the DWP, or if you go abroad for longer than one 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.
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