The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has strict rules around claiming benefits and going on holiday – and not following them could see your payments stop
If you’re on benefits, it’s crucial to be aware of the holiday rules before you jet off this summer.
Over the coming months, many Brits will be heading for a sunny break. However, if you’re claiming benefits, it’s not as straightforward as just booking a flight and taking off. This is due to strict rules for holidaying when you claim a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit. Failing to adhere to these rules could potentially affect your benefit payments.
One such rule is keeping officials informed about changes in circumstances, which includes overseas travel. Here, we break down all the rules around overseas travel when you claim Universal Credit.
According to GOV. UK, you can continue to receive Universal Credit for one month if you go abroad. But, you need to be eligible for the benefit before you leave, remain eligible while you’re away, and inform your work coach that you are going.
If a close relative passes away while you’re abroad and it wouldn’t be “reasonable” for you to return to the UK, you can receive Universal Credit for an additional month. While you’re away, you also need to keep up with your “claimant commitment”.
This is what the DWP expects you to do to receive your Universal Credit payments. If you fail to do so, your Universal Credit payments could be reduced. People in an “intensive work search group” are required to dedicate 35-37 hours a week to job hunting – even while on holiday. This means you must provide proof 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 commence employment. 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.
