DWP confirms rules you must follow if you're going on holiday to avoid losing support

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4 days ago

DWP confirms rules you must follow if you're going on holiday to avoid losing support
The DWP has issued a warning to millions of people about things they must do if they are going on holiday.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a warning to those planning a holiday that there are certain things they must do to avoid losing benefits
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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a warning to those planning a holiday that there are certain things they must do to avoid losing benefits. These rules impact millions, including recipients of universal credit and personal independence payments (PIP).
Under these regulations, if you're contemplating an extended holiday, you may need to inform the DWP. You might also be required to continue your job search whilst overseas. Some individuals may even be prohibited from travelling abroad if they are awaiting the processing of certain claims.
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The government has clarified which specific changes in circumstances must be reported to ensure you continue receiving the correct amount of universal credit.
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Failure to comply could result in overpayment, which would then have to be repaid. If you're submitting a new claim for universal credit, you must be in the UK on the day of submission.
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You should be able to travel abroad later that same day or return from a holiday earlier that day.
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While you can go on a holiday for a maximum of one month, you need to comply with the conditions of the claimant commitment that you had agreed to when you applied for universal credit.
Jobseekers are usually required to show evidence of their job-hunting activities, such as application submissions, and in some cases, they may need to return to the UK for interviews or to commence employment. To update any changes in circumstances, individuals can ring the universal credit helpline at 0800 328 5644.
For those on personal independence payments (PIP), it's essential to report certain details when planning a trip abroad.
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The recent PIP guidelines state: "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."
A holiday lasting more than four weeks outside the UK could impact your PIP payments. The guidance further notes: "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. It is important the claimant tells DWP straight away about any changes in their life that could affect their benefit.
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"Depending on these changes, their benefit may increase, decrease, remain unchanged, or cease altogether. If a claimant receives an overpayment, they will typically need to repay it. Not informing DWP about any changes could lead to prosecution.
"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 four weeks or more."