People claiming DWP benefits including Universal Credit and PIP have been urged to check their bank accounts before going on holiday, as they risk receiving letters chasing money if they forget about due payments.
Financial support group Money Wellness has shared important steps to take before jetting off. External relations manager Rebecca Lamb warned that claimants risk misunderstanding DWP rules and should review their finances.
Check your account before you travel
Lamb said: "Before you travel, check you've got enough money in your account to cover any bills due while you're away, whether that's your rent or mortgage, utility bills, debt repayments or other direct debits. We've spoken to people who've come home to bank charges and letters chasing money because they forgot a payment was due while they were on the beach."
Different rules for different benefits
She also warned that there are "different rules" that apply depending on your situation, and urged claimants not to leave checking until the last minute. "Different benefits have different rules about travelling abroad, so don't assume they all work the same way," she said.
"Spend five minutes checking before you travel is much easier than having to sort out a problem when you get home." Universal Credit claimants are most at risk of being caught out, she explained: "It's not just about how long you're away. It's about making sure your claim is kept up to date."
Universal Credit rules for going abroad
The rules state you can travel abroad for up to a month and still get Universal Credit, but you must tell your work coach about your trip. Lamb advised: "If you're planning to travel abroad, report it through your Universal Credit journal before you go. Most of the time, you can still receive Universal Credit for up to one month while you're abroad if you remain eligible, but don't assume your holiday won't affect your claim or that the DWP already knows your plans. It's your responsibility to tell them."
PIP and other benefits
She also cautioned against assuming all benefits have the same rules. For Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, or Disability Living Allowance, you can usually spend up to 13 weeks abroad before your benefit is affected, with longer allowed in some circumstances, such as travelling overseas for medical treatment. For disability or carers' benefits, you must tell the office that pays your benefit if you go abroad for more than four weeks.
You can claim these benefits if you are going abroad for up to 13 weeks, or up to 26 weeks if it's for medical treatment: Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for adults, and Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
The common mistake
Lamb said the common thread is that people often don't realise they need to check at all. "A quick look at the rules before you travel can save a lot of worry and avoid problems with your payments when you return." Full guidance about receiving benefits while abroad is available on the gov.uk website.
