DWP Universal Credit and PIP 'old holiday' warning or risk benefits stopping if you travel abroad
Recipients of Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) are being warned by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that not reporting overseas travel could jeopardise their benefits.
This includes informing the DWP about "any past, present or future visits" to foreign locations. Benefit claimants have an obligation to inform the DWP about any excursions outside the UK, with the rules now covering reporting of "any past, present or future visits" to foreign countries.
Those receiving benefits can spend up to a month abroad but must maintain a one-month presence within the UK between such travels. Exceptions do exist, such as if there's a death of a close family member overseas, where a second month away is allowed if early return is impractical.
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For those seeking medical treatment or during recovery from illness, a stay of up to six months overseas may be permitted. Failure to comply with these regulations could lead to your Universal Credit entitlement being slashed to nothing for the subsequent assessment period.
The DWP states: "You need to report changes as soon as they happen. Any delay may mean you receive too much money and will have to make a repayment.
"You could be taken to court or have to pay a penalty if you give wrong information or do not report a change in your circumstances."
Additionally, those on PIP, Attendance Allowance, or Disability Living Allowance are required to inform the DWP if they plan to be away for four weeks or more.
However, under normal circumstances, these benefits can still be claimed for up to 13 weeks while overseas. This period can also be extended to 26 weeks if you are travelling abroad for medical treatments.
The standard allowance for Universal Credit is currently:
Single under 25: £311.68 (up from £292.11 per month)
Single 25 or over: £393.45 (up from £368.74 per month)
Joint claimants both under 25: £489.23 (up from £458.51 per month)
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over: £617.60 (up from £578.82 per month).