Universal Credit claimants planning a summer holiday abroad must inform the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) of their travel plans or risk having their benefits stopped. The DWP allows claimants to leave the UK for up to one month while still receiving payments, but only if they notify their work coach beforehand.
Claimants must also adhere to their claimant commitment while abroad, which may include actively seeking work. Those in the intensive work search group are generally expected to spend 35 hours per week looking for employment, even while on holiday, and may need to provide evidence of job applications made during their time away.
There are exceptions to the one-month rule. Claimants can stay abroad for up to six months if they are receiving medical treatment, and an extra month is permitted if a close relative dies. Failure to comply with these rules could result in benefit payments being stopped.
The reminder comes as Universal Credit payments increased by 1.7% from this month. The benefit consists of a standard allowance, with additional elements for circumstances such as having children or being unable to work due to illness. Deductions may apply if claimants have savings or owe money to the DWP.
For those who work, a taper rate of 55% reduces the maximum Universal Credit payment by 55p for every £1 earned above a certain threshold. Some claimants receive a work allowance, which is a set amount they can earn before their benefit is reduced.
