Universal Credit Claimant Faces Repayment After Unreported Month-Long Holiday
A Universal Credit claimant has raised concerns after discovering they may need to repay two months of benefits due to an unreported holiday abroad last summer. The individual, who shared their experience online, stated they were unaware of the requirement to inform the Department for Work and Pensions about their travel plans.
Unaware of Reporting Requirements
The claimant explained they went abroad for "little over a month" during the summer and had "no clue" they needed to report this absence in their Universal Credit journal. The issue came to light during a recent claim review, where the claimant mentioned the trip and subsequently submitted evidence including travel dates and documentation.
In their online post, the claimant asked: "I’ve now submitted evidence of the trip, the stuff, and the dates. Does anyone have any idea what happens now?"
Potential Consequences Explained
Responses to the query indicated serious potential consequences. One detailed reply explained: "You'll lose the two assessment periods of Universal Credit and you'll need to pay them back as an overpayment. It was more than a calendar month."
The response further clarified that Universal Credit is calculated through monthly assessment periods, typically running from specific dates each month. According to the advice received, the claimant would need to repay two full assessment periods of benefits, as they were not eligible for Universal Credit during their time abroad.
Official Rules and Guidance
Government guidelines state that claimants who travel abroad can continue receiving Universal Credit for up to one month, provided they:
- Remain eligible for Universal Credit when departing
- Continue to meet eligibility requirements while abroad
- Inform their work coach about their travel plans
However, Citizen's Advice clarifies that those who go abroad for longer than one month will "not usually be entitled to Universal Credit." The organization provides an example: "If you go on holiday for six weeks, your claim will end and you’ll need to reapply when you get back."
Importance of Timely Reporting
DWP guidance emphasizes that claimants must report changes in circumstances immediately to ensure they receive the correct benefit amount. The department warns: "Any delay may mean you receive too much money and will have to make a repayment."
Critically, changes in circumstances can affect benefit payments for the entire assessment period, not just from the date they are reported. This means that even brief delays in reporting can result in significant overpayments that must be repaid.
The case highlights the importance of understanding and complying with Universal Credit reporting requirements, particularly regarding international travel, to avoid unexpected financial liabilities and potential claim complications.
