The UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued updated guidelines for beneficiaries of Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payments (PIP) planning to go on holiday. These rules are essential for ensuring continued eligibility and proper benefit disbursement.
Universal Credit claimants must inform the DWP of any changes in circumstances, including travel plans. You can travel abroad for up to one month, but you must continue job-seeking activities and may need to return for job interviews. If submitting a new Universal Credit claim, you must be in the UK on the submission day.
For PIP recipients, travel plans need to be disclosed to the DWP, including the duration, destination, and reason. Leaving the country for over four weeks may affect PIP benefits, and changes in the claimant's condition or circumstances should be reported promptly. Temporary absences abroad for medical treatment can be extended up to 26 weeks.
Starting June 2024, the DWP will also migrate Housing Benefit claimants to Universal Credit, affecting 100,000 people initially. This process, known as managed migration, will extend to all Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Housing Benefit, and Tax Credit claimants by the end of 2024/25. Migration notices will provide beneficiaries with a three-month deadline to claim Universal Credit, beginning in Manchester, Northumberland, and the London Borough of Harrow.
These guidelines ensure that benefit recipients meet their obligations while traveling and during the transition to Universal Credit, preserving eligibility and avoiding overpayments. Claimants can contact the Universal Credit helpline at 0800 328 5644 for further assistance.