Millions of benefit claimants have been warned to follow the travel rules about heading abroad over the summer. As we approach the holiday season, thousands of Brits jetting off on getaways to Spain, Greece, Turkey, and other popular destinations.
Some claimants might be thinking of putting their cost of living payments towards a budget holiday - but they should let the Department for Work and Pensions know they are going away. Government officials say they need to be informed of any changes in circumstances and expect people to stick to the rules and conditions of their benefit claim.
In the case of Universal Credit, there are 5.8 million claimants according to the latest figures, with 2.2 million of those in employment and getting the benefit to top up their income, and the others either looking for a job or too sick to work. Anyone who is in an intensive work search group is expected to spend 35 to 37 hours a week looking for work, even if they go on holiday this summer.
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How long can you be abroad and still get benefits?
DWP officials told BirminghamLive that claimants can go on holiday for up to one month but must stick to the conditions of the claimant commitment they agreed to when first applying for the benefit. That will mean having to show evidence of looking for work - such as a list of jobs you have applied for.
If an interview or job start date is offered while you are away and cannot be rearranged for when you are back home, you may be forced to return early from the holiday, officials said.
There are no limits to the number of holidays of up to one month that are allowed each year. But if you're away for longer, the DWP is notified and has to decide if this is allowed. An extended absence can be approved - and requirements to look for work switched off - in the case of bereavement and medical treatment. If a close relative such as a partner or child dies while you are abroad, these rules can be suspended for up to two months.
People who get Universal Credit can report a change of circumstances such as going on holiday by leaving a message in their online account or calling the helpline on 0800 328 5644.
What are the penalties for unauthorised holidays?
If a lengthy absence is not approved, then your Universal Credit assessment period is reduced to nil. That means no Universal Credit will be paid on the next due date. Your benefit won't be terminated altogether so you won't have to start a claim all over again and wait another five weeks, but you won't get any payment covering the period you've been away.
Failing to report a change of circumstances by not telling the DWP you had gone away on holiday could land you in trouble as it can be classed as benefit fraud. Government guidance says: "You need to report changes to your circumstances so you keep getting the right amount each month. 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."
Benefit fraud is when you deliberately don't report a change in circumstances or provide false information. Your benefits may be stopped while you are investigated and you could have to attend an interview under caution.
The DWP says you could be taken to court and ordered to pay a penalty of between £350 and £5,000, as well as being told to pay back the overpaid amount of benefits. Your benefits can also be reduced or stopped for up to three years if you're convicted, depending on how many times you've committed fraud.
What about rules for other benefits?
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
You can get Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) for up to four weeks if you go abroad. Talk to your local Jobcentre Plus before you go. If you’re planning to go abroad for longer than four weeks, you'll need to explain the reasons to jobcentre officials - generally, 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.
Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
The Government guidance says you cannot continue to receive income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) while abroad. But you can get New style JSA or contribution-based JSA in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for up to three months. You may be prosecuted or have to pay a £50 penalty if you give wrong or incomplete information, or do not report changes such as going abroad straight away.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
In the case of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - a benefit for people with disabilities - the official handbook updated in April this year says claimants must tell the DWP if they are "leaving the country or planning to leave the country for a period of more than four weeks, even if this is a holiday." The guidance explains: "This change may affect the claimant’s entitlement to PIP. We will need to know the date the claimant is leaving the country, how long they are planning to be out of the country, which country they are going to, and why they are going abroad."
