Benefit claimants receiving Universal Credit or Personal Independence Payments have been reminded by the Department for Work and Pensions of their obligation to report overseas travel ahead of summer.
The DWP has urged those claiming either benefit to make contact before travelling abroad this year.
Spain, Turkey and France remain among the most popular destinations for British holidaymakers, but claimants must ensure they comply with benefit rules before planning any trip outside the UK.
The department requires claimants to report any change in their circumstances, including informing officials which country they will be staying in while they are away.
Universal Credit claimants are allowed to go abroad for up to one month, although specific conditions continue to apply during that period.
Anyone making a new Universal Credit claim must be physically present in the UK on the day the application is submitted.
Ongoing eligibility can depend on meeting work related commitments such as job searching, attending interviews or taking part in work focused meetings.
The DWP has warned these requirements can be difficult to fulfil while overseas.
A spokesman said, “You need to report changes to your circumstances so you keep getting the right amount each month.
Universal Credit and PIP recipients are reminded of strict rules before travelling overseas
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GETTY“You need to report changes as soon as they happen. Any delay may mean you receive too much money and will have to make a repayment.”
The department has also stressed reported changes can affect payments for an entire assessment period, meaning adjustments are not always applied from the exact date a change is declared.
PIP claimants face additional disclosure requirements when travelling abroad. The DWP said it must be informed of key details before a claimant leaves the country.
A spokesman said: “We will need to know the date the claimant is leaving the country, how long they are planning to be out of the country, which country they are going to and why they are going abroad.”
The DWP said it must be informed of key details before a claimant leaves the country
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GETTY
People claiming PIP can usually leave the UK temporarily for up to 13 weeks without losing entitlement, or up to 26 weeks if the trip is for medical treatment.
The department has advised PIP recipients to notify officials if they plan to be abroad for four weeks or longer.
Claimants must also report any change to their health condition, care needs or personal circumstances, as such changes could affect the amount of benefit they receive.
The DWP has warned that failing to disclose changes can carry serious consequences.
A spokesman said: “It is important the claimant tells DWP straight away about any changes in their life that could affect their benefit. Based on these changes their benefit may go up, go down, stay the same or it may stop.”
Where overpayments occur due to unreported changes, claimants are usually required to repay the money. In more serious cases, failure to notify the department could result in criminal prosecution.
The DWP has reiterated changes to circumstances can influence payments across a full assessment period, meaning delays in reporting could lead to larger repayment demands.
The department said prompt reporting remains essential for all claimants.
PIP recipients have again been reminded to notify officials when planning overseas trips lasting four weeks or more. A spokesman said: “You could be taken to court or have to pay a penalty if you give wrong information or do not report a change in your circumstances.”
Benefit payments may increase, decrease, remain unchanged or stop altogether depending on the reported change. The department has stressed that responsibility lies with claimants to report developments that could affect entitlement without delay.
