DWP strict guidelines on holidays outside the UK for 1.4 million claimants
Pension Credit recipients planning a getaway this year could find themselves at risk of penalties. More than 1.4 million older Brits across Great Britain are currently on Pension Credit, a benefit delivering an average £4,300 annually in extra financial lifeline for over-66s struggling on low incomes.
This means-tested support also unlocks Council Tax reductions and assistance with energy costs, including access to the Warm Home Discount Scheme. Yet recipients may be unaware they must alert the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) before travelling beyond mainland Britain - no matter how brief their trip, reports the Daily Record.
Reporting a holiday to the DWP
Official GOV.UK guidance states you must contact the DWP "if you're going to leave Great Britain for any reason at all, even if you'll only be away for a short time. This includes if you go to Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands".
This official guidance online came as they addressed this question: "Can I leave Great Britain and keep getting Pension Credit?"
The complete DWP response explains: "We may pay Pension Credit for up to four weeks while you're temporarily away from Great Britain and we may pay for up to 8 weeks if the absence is in connection with a death.
"If the absence is solely in connection with medical treatment or medically approved convalescence, we may pay Pension Credit for up to 26 weeks.
"But you should tell us before you go if you're going to leave Great Britain for any reason at all, even if you'll only be away for a short time. This includes if you go to Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands."
Full details on how to report a change in circumstance can be found on GOV.UK here. Latest figures from the DWP show that there are 760,000 people who could claim Pension Credit but haven't yet done so, despite being eligible.
A common misconception among pensioners is that having savings or owning property automatically disqualifies them from this means-tested benefit. However, even a minimal award of £1 weekly can open doors to additional financial assistance.
Who is eligible for Pension Credit?
Pension Credit comes in two parts - Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. To qualify for Guarantee Pension Credit, you must have reached State Pension age, which is currently 66. Your weekly income also needs to be below the minimum amount the UK Government considers necessary for living.
This stands at £227.10 for a single person and £346.60 for a couple. These figures could be higher if you're disabled, a carer or have certain housing costs.
Savings Credit is only available if you reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016, or if you have a partner who reached State Pension age before this date and was already receiving it.
How to determine eligibility for Pension Credit
Elderly people, or their friends and family, can quickly check eligibility and get an estimate of potential benefits using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK here. Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 - lines are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
More details about claiming Pension Credit can be found on GOV.UK here.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Travel experts reveal flight booking 'hack' can actually cost you more
Brits looking to save money on holidays have been warned of a common misconception that one 'hack' could help them snap up a better deal on their next break Budget-savvy Brits will know that when it comes to saving money on a getaway, it's not just all about finding the best holiday deals. Whether it's swerving cabin bag fees with clever packing tricks or unearthing cheap underrated destinations, there are plenty of ways to stretch your budget that little bit further. However, there's one common 'hack' that most Brits do thinking it will save them money, but in reality it could actually cost you more. Travel experts have spoken out and revealed that you should always think twice before going for the cheapest flight option when booking your holidays. The insiders have debunked the myth that "flying into the budget airport saves loads". When it comes to the major holiday destinations, there usually is one main international airport where most airlines fly. However, budget carriers such as easyJet and Ryanair often offer alternative flights to the same destination, such as a regional airport or another travel hub close by. If you've got a choice of two, it can be tempting to book the airport with the cheapest fares, but this doesn't necessarily mean you're going to get the best deal. In fact, if you don't do your research, it could cost you a lot more overall. The HelloTickets team warned that in reality, opting for a budget airport can actually mean "longer transfers, pricey shuttles, extra fatigue (amplified with kids)". That's not to say you shouldn't go for the cheaper airport; just work out the costs before you part with your cash. They explained: "Once you add transfer time and fares, the main airport is cheaper or equal almost one trip in two—and you're downtown faster." For example, Milan has three airports; Milan Malpensa (MXP), Milan Linate (LIN), and Milan Bergamo (BGY). Malpensa is the main airport, but Linate is closer to the city centre. As for Milan Bergamo, this is about an hour's drive away from the city centre, and therefore you can often find cheaper fares. If you fly to the latter, you'll need to pay for train tickets or a cab fare, which could cost you more than the ticket price difference if you'd gone for one of the other two airports. Get the latest travel news straight to your phone! JOIN OUR WHATSAPP GROUP: Discover your next dream getaway in the UK or abroad by joining our free Mirror Travel WhatsApp community HERE. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. It's not the first time that UK holidaymakers have been warned that a cost-cutting trick could actually end up making a bigger dent in their holiday budget. While airlines' hand luggage rules can be a nightmare to navigate, in recent years people have been using the 'pillow hack' to get around those strict allowances. This trick involves packing some of your clothes into a pillow that you bring on the flight, so it doesn't technically count towards your allowance and you can get extra items onboard with you. It's worth noting that a lot of airport staff have wised up to the trick, but if you're lucky they will be kind and turn a blind eye. However if you're unlucky, then staff may decide your pillowcase is an extra bag, and charge you accordingly; often, this turns out to be more than if you'd paid for a second bag in the first place. But that's not the only risk; it could also mean you're denied boarding and unable to enjoy your holiday at all!
Daily Mail
9 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Italy hit with landslides as flash floods trigger evacuation
Italy has been inundated by landslides caused by flashfloods that have destroyed bridges, washed away cars and triggered an evacuation. Following powerful summer thunderstorms on Wednesday and Thursday, the picturesque Passiria Valley in northern Italy was flooded after over 100mm of rain fell in just a few hours. Video footage taken of the floods in the region showed muddied water raging across the land. Roads were submerged in water and mud, trapping cars that tried to ford the flow of rain. One set of photos showed what appeared to be a building site of new homes in the valley having many of their structural materials rushed away by the flash floods. The ground upon which a six-storey building, half-built and still exposed to the elements, was soaked through with water. Rusted metal parts were seen on its roof. One road, shut down due to the weather, remains closed until further notice while a one-way system for cars across the valley has been in place since 5am. Local firefighters deployed ten vehicles, including five bucket excavators and three wheel loaders, to remove six to seven meters of material and clear the blocked passageway so the water could flow in a controlled manner. As Italy is deluged by flashfloods, s hocking footage shows the aftermath of deadly wildfires in Cyprus with rows of luxury villas reduced to ashes . Terrified residents were forced to flee in the night as raging flames - fanned by powerful winds and a 40C heatwave - engulfed entire streets to the north of Limassol, a coastal city loved by Brits. One elderly couple were tragically burnt alive as they attempted to flee in their car while rescue teams are frantically searching for missing people and carrying out mass evacuations. The blaze, which hasn't stopped burning since it broke out at midday on Wednesday, has devastated swathes of agricultural and habitable land across the wine–producing region north of the city of Limassol, which sits near popular holiday hotspots. Rows of luxury homes in the Souni region of the island were seen burnt to a crisp. Several trees on the front of properties were seen charred and mangled by the flames. Telegraph poles could be seen askew in the ground, warped by the fires. The inferno is believed to have begun from two points around 300ft apart in an area underneath a bridge where there is a rubbish dump. Local cops are reportedly investigating the cause of the blaze as arson. It has since emerged that two people have died after they were burned alive in their car. Local media has reported that the pair were an elderly couple who were trying to flee the fires, though they have not been formally identified yet.
Daily Record
11 hours ago
- Daily Record
The Scottish seaside village with sandy beach and 'perfect' takeaway
Once again, the Daily Record is back with another Village of the Week. The weather may be unpredictable at the moment, but that is no reason not to head to one gorgeous Moray village. Findhorn is a seaside village nestled along the eastern shore of Findhorn Bay overlooking the Moray Firth. Once an important commercial and fishing port, it is today a quiet and picturesque spot for a staycation. The village is perhaps best known for the stunning Findhorn Beach, which is among the most renowned beaches in Moray. It consists of an unspoilt stretch of sand that is covered at high tide, leaving a pebbly section at the top exposed. Findhorn Beach is a popular destination for water sports, while sailing dinghies are also frequently seen in the water. There is also no shortage of breathtaking walks around and near the beach, with awe-inspiring views out over the Moray Firth. Meanwhile, Findhorn Beach is known for its colourful beach huts that line the bay. Some of the brightly painted huts can even be rented out. Elsewhere, Findhorn also has plenty of tasty food spots to suit all tastes. Whether you are looking for a three-course meal or a tasty takeaway, you are spoilt for choice. One of the top venues around the village is the Kimberley Inn, which features a terrace where customers can soak in some sun while enjoying a refreshing drink. The inn also serves up a range of seafood and meat dishes. Another popular eatery in the area is La Bohéme, which is a takeaway specialising in pizzas. Customers can also enjoy various salads, panini, and desserts. See below for a few photos showing some of Findhorn's highlights. For more travel inspiration, find a selection of our past Towns and Villages of the Week here: The Scottish foodie village with gorgeous beach perfect for summer day out The Scottish seaside town with pretty beach hosting music festival this weekend The Scottish 'food town' near outdoor activity centre named best in the country The beautiful Scottish town with 'growing food scene' perfect for summer day out The Scottish 'whisky capital' with distilleries perfect for Father's Day visit The Scottish seaside hidden gem village that was crowned 'most picturesque' The Scottish village home to seafood restaurant with fish and chips 'to die for' Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - sign up to the Scotland Now newsletter here.
