People claiming benefits must take three steps before going abroad this summer to stick to DWP rules. Failing to notify the relevant department could lead to your trip being viewed as a deliberate act of fraud by the Department for Work and Pensions ((DWP).
If you’re planning to leave the country, you’ll first need to inform the office that handles your benefits, which could be the pension service, Jobcentre or your work coach. You’ll probably need to provide details about when you’re leaving, where you’re going and when you plan to return.
You may also need to justify your reason for travelling – for instance, going abroad for medical treatment often allows you more flexibility to continue claiming benefits. This is necessary even if you’re only going overseas for a brief visit.
While some benefits may be suspended during your absence, others will continue to be paid as usual.
Secondly, if anything occurs while you’re away that could impact your benefit eligibility, you must report it as a change of circumstances with the DWP, just as you would if it happened at home.
This could include purchasing property, working or claiming pension or other benefits in another country. Lastly, if a benefit claimant passes away overseas, the DWP must be notified immediately, and you must cease claiming pension or benefits for that person.
Breaking the DWP holiday rules
Failure to adhere to these three rules could be construed as benefit fraud. Additionally, you may need to fulfil certain conditions while overseas to continue claiming your benefits legitimately.
However, this largely depends on the type of benefit you receive. For instance, if you’re on new-style Jobseeker’s Allowance, you must have registered at least four weeks prior to your trip and be actively seeking employment until the day you depart.
For those on Universal Credit, you need to meet the eligibility criteria throughout your holiday. If you receive benefits in error while abroad, you may be required to repay the funds you were not entitled to.
Typically, this amount is deducted from future benefit payments. Some trips might need to be shortened if you want to maintain your benefit payments.
For instance, Universal Credit can only be claimed during your first month abroad, unless you’re undergoing medical treatment, in which case it can be extended for up to six months. Your destination may also affect your claim.
Certain countries have social security agreements with the UK, allowing you to claim some UK benefits if you decide to move abroad permanently:
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Turkey
- Bermuda
- Gibraltar
- New Zealand
- Mauritius
- Channel Islands
- Jamaica
- North Macedonia
- USA
- EEA countries
- Serbia
- Kosovo
- Canada
- Montenegro
- Barbados
- the Philippines
- Israel
- Switzerland
- Further details about claiming benefits abroad and benefit fraud can be found on the Gov.uk website.
