DWP Issues Holiday Warning: What Benefit Claimants Must Do Before Traveling!

On: Wednesday, April 16, 2025 3:39 PM

DWP Issues Holiday Warning: What Benefit Claimants Must Do Before Traveling!

DWP warning: Know these important things before going on holidays, otherwise your government benefit amount may stop! Every holiday is always thrilling in its planning. It might be the joy of meeting your family or the desire to go out to a new country-the holiday creeps into our life to infuse new energy into it. But if you are receiving any kind of benefit from the United Kingdom’s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), then you have to take care of some very important things. Your slightest negligence can get your benefits suspended.

Recently DWP has issued an official warning which tells which rules are necessary to be followed before going on holidays, so that your government assistance can continue and you do not have to face any kind of trouble.

Aspect	Details
Notification	Inform the DWP before traveling abroad.
Universal Credit	Can be received abroad for up to one month under certain conditions.
Jobseeker’s Allowance	May be claimed abroad for up to three months if specific criteria are met.
Medical Treatment Abroad	Benefits may continue for up to six months if traveling for approved medical reasons.
Consequences of Non-Compliance	Potential suspension of benefits and legal action for failing to report changes.

Travelling abroad and its impact on DWP benefits

If you are receiving benefits from schemes such as Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Attendance Allowance, you must inform the DWP before you travel.

Universal Credit and travel abroad

Temporary absence: If you are receiving Universal Credit, under certain conditions you can receive payments while travelling abroad for up to a month.
But this must be met with the following conditions:
You must inform your work coach before travelling.
You must remain eligible for Universal Credit during your absence.
You must continue to carry out essential activities under your Claimant Commitment, such as job searching, attending online meetings etc.
Travelling for medical treatment: If your travel is for medical treatment or convalescence, and you provide a doctor’s evidence of this, you can receive Universal Credit for up to 6 months.

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Moving abroad permanently

If you are leaving the UK permanently and moving abroad, you will no longer be eligible to receive Universal Credit. You cannot lodge a new claim from abroad either.
Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) and travelling abroad
If you are receiving new style JSA, you can receive payments while you are abroad for up to 3 months, under certain
conditions:
You must be eligible for JSA on the day you travel.
You must register for a job search at least 4 weeks before travel.
After travel, you must register with the Job Centre of the country you have visited and follow their conditions.
In the case of travelling outside EEA countries (such as France, Germany etc.) eligibility depends on the UK’s agreement with that country.

Other benefits: PIP, DLA and Attendance Allowance

PIP and DLA
If your travel is temporary and not for medical treatment, benefits can continue for up to 13 weeks. If the purpose of travel is medical, this period can be extended to 26 weeks.

Attendance Allowance : The same rules apply for this benefit as for PIP and DLA – payments can continue for up to 13 weeks in general and up to 26 weeks for medical reasons.

What to do while abroad?

No matter which benefit you are receiving, you must comply with the following responsibilities:
Inform the DWP: It is necessary to state the dates, destination and purpose of travel.
Maintain eligibility: Meet all conditions while travelling.
Meet work commitments: Universal Credit recipients are required to carry out their work-related duties.
If you fail to report your travel or comply with the conditions, not only could you be required to pay back the overpayment, but it could also lead to legal action.

Practical steps to take before you travel

Get in touch: Speak to your local Jobcentre or benefits provider office.
Have documents ready: Bring a doctor’s note for medical travel.
Understand commitments: Be fully informed of your ongoing responsibilities.
Keep records: Keep information and communication with the DWP safe.

Conclusion:

Enjoy your holidays, but responsibly This warning from the DWP is not just a formality, but a reminder to beneficiaries of their rights and responsibilities. If you apply in time, meet all conditions and keep the DWP informed about everything, you can go on a holiday without any sweat.

If you find this helpful, please pass it on to others who avail DWP benefits and are going to go on a holiday.

FAQs

Q.1 Can I apply for Universal Credit from abroad?

A. No, you must be in the UK when you apply for Universal Credit.

Q.2 What happens if I don’t report my travel?

A. Your benefit amount may be withheld, overpayments may be recovered and you may face legal action.

Q.3 What if you have to move because of a family emergency?

A. In certain circumstances, such as the death of a close relative, Universal Credit may continue for an additional month. But it’s important to inform the DWP immediately.

Q.4 Is Housing Benefit affected?

A.Yes, Housing Benefit can continue for up to 4 weeks if you travel abroad. But this requires that you are planning to return and have not rented out your home.

Q.5 Do the rules apply if you travel within the UK?

A. Travelling within the UK doesn’t usually affect benefits, but if you’re away from your address for a long period of time it’s best to inform the DWP.