Holiday warning for anyone on Universal Credit – the must-know rules to follow or your payments could be stopped
PLANNING a summer getaway? If you're on Universal Credit, there are some crucial rules you must follow - or you could see your payments slashed.
Failing to report your trip abroad to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) could lead to your Universal Credit being stopped, reduced, or even investigated for benefit fraud.
You could also face a hefty fine, anywhere between £350 and £5,000, if you don't declare your holiday as a change of circumstance.
How long can I stay abroad and still get Universal Credit?
If you are on Universal Credit, you can stay abroad for one month and carry on receiving payments, given you've told your work coach you're going away and you carry on meeting the conditions of your claim.
That means if you are in the intensive work group and have to spend a minimum amount of hours per week looking for a job, you have to continue doing this.
There are exceptions, such as if you’re abroad for medical treatment (you can stay up to six months) or if a close relative passes away.
READ MORE ON UNIVERSAL CREDIT
Other benefits have different rules. For instance, if you receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP), you can stay abroad for up to 13 weeks, or 26 weeks for medical treatment.
Always double-check the specifics for your benefits on the gov.uk website.
How do I report a change of circumstance?
HOW you report a change in circumstances depends on the benefit you are receiving.
If you are claiming Universal Credit, you can record any changes on your online journal or contact the helpline on 0800 328 5644.
You can also get in touch with your local Jobcentre Plus.
Meanwhile, if you receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP), you have to contact the enquiry line on 0800 121 4433.
You can also get someone to call on your behalf, but you'll need to be with them when they phone up.
What else could cause my Universal Credit payments to be stopped?
It’s not just going abroad without telling the DWP that could lead to sanctions.
Here are some other reasons you could see your payments reduced or stopped:
- Failing to apply for jobs
- Rejecting job offers
- Quitting a job without a good reason
- Missing appointments with the Jobcentre
- Refusing to take work in a different field
If you’ve been sanctioned, don't panic — you can appeal.
You can request a mandatory reconsideration. You have one month to do this from when the decision is made.
How to report a change or appeal?
You can:
- Use your Universal Credit online journal
- Call the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644
- For PIP, call 0800 121 4433
For written appeals or changes, send letters to:
DWP Complaints, Post Handling Site B, Wolverhampton, WV99 2GY
Everything you need to know about Universal Credit
- What is Universal Credit? Everything you need to know including how to apply
- Universal Credit calculator: How much can I claim and how do I apply?
- Universal Credit login: How do I sign in to my online account?
- How much can I earn before Universal Credit is reduced and do I get a work allowance?
- What is a Universal Credit advance payment? How to apply and pay it back
- Are Universal Credit payments going up and how much more will I get?
- How to claim Universal Credit if you’re self-employed
- How many hours can I work on Universal Credit and will my payment be reduced?
- What is a Universal Credit budgeting advance and how much could I get?
- What is the Universal Credit housing element and how much of your rent does it pay?
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