The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has clarified rules for Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants planning holidays abroad. Claimants must notify the DWP before travelling, as failure to do so could result in benefit fraud allegations.
DWP Guidance on Travel and Benefits
According to official DWP guidance, "You may still be able to claim some benefits if you travel or move abroad, or if you're already living abroad. What you're entitled to depends on where you're going and how long for." The DWP advises that anyone considering overseas travel should contact their local Jobcentre Plus or the office responsible for their benefit payments. For temporary trips, claimants must specify their return date, and they must also inform HMRC if they are leaving the UK.
Claimants are committing benefit fraud if they do not tell the office that pays their benefit about their travel abroad, even for a short visit. Additionally, claimants risk penalties if they deliberately fail to report changes in circumstances while abroad, such as buying property, working, or claiming a pension or benefit from another country. Being dishonest to obtain benefits, such as continuing to claim the pension or benefit of someone who has died overseas, also constitutes fraud.
Duration of Absence Allowed
Under DWP rules, claimants may maintain their benefit while abroad for up to one month. The DWP states: "Claimants must be prepared to end their absence abroad to attend job interviews or start work. We have never asked anyone to come back early but it is a possibility."
For PIP, official guidance states: "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."
Other Benefits Affected
These same "residence and presence conditions" apply to Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Attendance Allowance, and Carer's Allowance. Claimants of these benefits must also inform the DWP before travelling abroad and adhere to similar time limits.
The rules are designed to ensure that benefits are only paid to those who meet the eligibility criteria, including being present in the UK. Claimants who fail to notify the DWP may face overpayment recovery, penalties, or prosecution.
