The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has warned benefit claimants to notify them before heading off on holiday this year. There are rules surrounding trips abroad for people claiming some benefits, including Universal Credit, which could mean your benefit is stopped if you do not follow them.
People receiving Universal Credit (UC) can continue claiming their benefit for one month while travelling abroad - if they notify the DWP. You will also be required to stick to the requirements of the claim, which could mean looking for work while away, DerbyshireLive reports.
The Government website says it is classed as benefit fraud if claimants do not inform the office which pays their benefit (the DWP or HM Revenue and Customs) before going overseas, even if it is just for a visit. UC claimants can continue to receive payments for one month while travelling.
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This is provided they are eligible for UC and they remain eligible for UC while overseas. They also much tell their work coach they are going, the website says.
If claimants head abroad without letting the department know, there is a risk your UC assessment period could be reduced to nil, meaning you will not get a payment for that period. Your claim won't be terminated - so you wont have to start the process again - but you will not get the payment for the period you are away.
There are different rules for different DWP benefits, however, and claimants should check the specifics for their claim.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit claimants can still receive payments for one month while abroad. You must inform the office that you are going, and you must follow the rules of your claim - which could mean looking for work while abroad, showing evidence you are looking for work, or even coming home early for an interview.
The DWP has said: "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."
You are able to get an extension on your payments in certain circumstances - if a close relative dies while you are abroad and it is 'unreasonable' for you to make it home, you can claim a second month on UC payments. You can get up to six months worth of payments if:
- You go abroad for medical treatment.
- You go abroad for a period of recovery that has been approved by a medical professional (also known as ‘approved convalescence’).
- Your partner or child is going abroad for medical treatment or ‘approved convalescence’ and you’re going with them.
Mariners or continental shelf workers can also claim up to six months.
Jobseeker's Allowance
There are two types of Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) - New Style and income-based. You cannot get income-based JSA abroad.
You may be able to claim New Style JSA in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for up to three months if:
- You are entitled to it on the day you go abroad.
- Register as a jobseeker at least 4 weeks before you leave.
- Are looking for work in the UK up to the day you leave.
- Are going abroad to look for work.
- Register at the equivalent of a Jobcentre in the country you’re going to.
- Follow the other country’s rules on registering and looking for work.
- Are covered by the Withdrawal Agreement.
If you are traveling outside of Europe you might be able to get unemployment benefits depending on the country you are visiting. Visit the UK Gov website for the full list.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
You can get ESA for up to four weeks if you go abroad. Talk to your local Jobcentre Plus before you go.
Going abroad for more than four weeks but less than a year
Tell your local Jobcentre Plus if you are going abroad for more than four weeks. You can carry on getting contribution-based ESA for up to 26 weeks if you’re going abroad for medical treatment for yourself or your child. It does not matter which country you go to.
Going abroad for more than a year
You may get contribution-based ESA in the EEA or Switzerland if you:
- Are eligible for ESA.
- Have paid enough National Insurance contributions.
- Are covered by the Withdrawal Agreement.
Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment
You can claim the following benefits if you are going abroad for up to 13 weeks (or 26 weeks if it’s for medical treatment):
- Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for adults
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
You can carry on claiming Carer’s Allowance if you take up to four weeks holiday out of a 26-week period. You must still tell the office that deals with your benefit that you’ll be away.
If you are going abroad permanently to an EEA country or Switzerland, you or a family member may be able to claim these benefits if you:
- Work in the UK or pay National Insurance in the UK because of work.
- Have paid enough National Insurance to qualify for contribution-based benefits.
- Are getting State Pension, Industrial Injuries Benefit, contribution-based ESA or bereavement benefits.
- Are covered by the Withdrawal Agreement.
If you are eligible then you may be able to claim:
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for adults care component.
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) daily living part.
- Attendance Allowance or Carer’s Allowance.
Winter Fuel Payments
You might be able to claim a yearly Winter Fuel Payment if:
- You moved to an ‘eligible country’ before January 1, 2021.
- You were born before September 26, 1956.
- You have a genuine and sufficient link to the UK - this can include having lived or worked in the UK, and having family in the UK.
Find out if you’re eligible and how to claim from abroad.
Bereavement benefits
If you are already getting a bereavement benefit when you move abroad, you will still get it - it does not matter where you move to. You may be able to make a new claim if you live in certain countries outside the UK. For more information, visit the UK Gov website.
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