British holidaymakers who claim Universal Credit have been warned over certain steps they must take if they plan to travel abroad this summer. Huge numbers of Brits are gearing up to travel overseas to countries like Spain and Portugal for the summer sun over the next few months, but people who claim Universal Credit need to be aware of a number of things before they jet off. People could have their Universal Credit reduced or stopped if they fail to declare their holiday plans to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Failing to do so could also result in an investigation of benefits fraud.
Those claiming Universal Credit can continue to receive payments when they go abroad but only for up to one month. However, you need to be eligible for the benefit before you leave and remain eligible while you’re away, as well as inform your work coach that you are going. There are exceptions to this rule, like if a relative passes away while you are abroad making it unreasonable for you to return to the UK, meaning you can claim abroad for an extra month.
As well as declaring your holiday to your work coach, you must also keep up with your claimant commitment while you are away. The ‘claimant commitment’ is the agreement that is made before Universal Credit payments are approved.
For those who claim Universal Credit while they are out of work or on low income, this involves preparing for and looking for work. These efforts must be continued even while you are holiday abroad.
If you faIl to do so, then your Universal Credit payments could be reduced or even stopped. Additionally, people in an “intensive work search group” are required to dedicate 35-37 hours a week to job hunting, including when they are on holiday.
Claimants could also be asked to return home for a job interview or to start new employment. When it comes to travelling abroad for different reasons, the rules change.
Those who are going abroad to receive medical treatment can claim Universal Credit for up to six months. This also applies when your partner or child is going abroad for medical treatment or approved convalescence and you’re accompanying them.
There are a number of reasons your Universal Credit could be slashed or stopped altogether, such as failing to apply for jobs while claiming payments, rejecting offers of employment and deciding to quit a job without a good enough reason.
