The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has implemented seven strict holiday rules for Universal Credit claimants this summer. Under these regulations, individuals receiving Universal Credit are warned they may only continue to receive payments for up to one month while abroad.
One-Month Rule
If you go abroad, you can continue to get Universal Credit for one month. You must be eligible for Universal Credit when leaving, remain eligible while away, and inform your work coach. The standard allowance for a single person aged 25 and over will increase from £400.14 to £424.90 per month from April 2026. Additional payments for long-term health conditions or disabilities, known as the limited capability for work-related activity (LCWRA) element, worth £423.27 per month, will not change. However, new LCWRA claims after 5 April 2026 will see this amount almost halved to £217.26 per month.
Relative's Death
If a close relative dies while you are abroad and it is not reasonable to return to the UK, you can receive Universal Credit for one additional month. This applies if you are temporarily abroad due to the death of a partner, child, qualifying young person, step-son, step-daughter, parent, step-parent, parent-in-law, brother, sister, son-in-law, or daughter-in-law. If you are already abroad when the death occurs, you can remain abroad for up to two months from the day you left the UK.
Moving Abroad Permanently
You cannot receive Universal Credit if you are moving abroad permanently. Citizens Advice provides an example: Hamza leaves the UK for a six-week holiday on 10 May. His assessment period runs from the 2nd of each month to the 1st of the following month. Since he leaves during the 2 May to 1 June period, his Universal Credit ends on 2 May, and he receives £0. He must reapply upon return.
If You Are Already Abroad
You cannot apply for Universal Credit if you are already abroad. If your child goes abroad, you will typically stop receiving the extra payment for them if they are away for more than a month, unless an exception applies.
Going Abroad for Medical Treatment
You can continue to receive Universal Credit for up to six months if you go abroad for medical treatment or approved convalescence in England, Scotland, or Wales, or to care for a partner or child receiving such treatment.
Civil Servants, Diplomats, or Armed Forces
If you are a civil servant, diplomat, or member of the armed forces posted abroad due to work duties, you may be able to claim or keep Universal Credit while abroad, provided the UK was your main home immediately before leaving.
Mariners or Continental Shelf Workers
If you are a mariner or continental shelf worker, you can continue to receive Universal Credit for up to six months while abroad. You must inform your work coach before leaving and may need to demonstrate that the UK was your main home prior to departure.
Citizens Advice emphasizes the importance of notifying the DWP as soon as you, your partner, or your child goes abroad. Failure to do so may result in overpayments or penalties.
