As summer holidays approach, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a critical reminder for benefit claimants planning to travel abroad.
Failing to follow three key rules could result in your benefits being stopped, or worse, your trip being classified as benefit fraud.
From June 2025, stricter compliance is expected. The DWP is urging claimants of Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and other benefits to be transparent about their travel plans.
If you’re planning a getaway—even a short one—you must follow the holiday notification rules or risk losing your entitlement.
The Three Holiday Rules Every Claimant Must Follow
To remain eligible for your benefits while abroad, you must comply with these three important rules:
1. Notify the Relevant Office Before Travelling
Before you leave the UK, inform the Jobcentre, Pension Service, or your Work Coach. This step is non-negotiable. You must provide:
- Departure date
- Return date
- Destination details
Failure to do this can be treated as concealment of a change in circumstances.
2. Explain the Purpose of Your Trip
The DWP might request information about why you are travelling. This helps assess whether the trip affects your benefit eligibility. For example, extended trips with no work-search activity could conflict with Universal Credit conditions.
3. Report Any Changes While Abroad
If anything occurs during your travel that affects your situation—such as securing work, changes in income, or new health conditions—you must report this to the DWP immediately. Not doing so could be considered deliberate misrepresentation.
Consequences of Not Following These Rules
If you fail to follow these three steps:
- Your benefit payments may be paused or stopped
- You may be investigated for benefit fraud
- You could be asked to repay overpaid amounts
- In some cases, criminal charges may apply for intentional deception
The DWP reiterates, “You must tell Jobcentre Plus or the benefit office if you’re going abroad. Even if it’s temporary, include the return date.”
Claiming Benefits While Abroad
You may still be eligible for some UK benefits abroad—depending on your destination and duration of stay. The DWP notes:
- If you’re travelling to an EEA country or one with a reciprocal agreement with the UK, you could still receive certain benefits.
- State Pension can be paid overseas with no loss of value.
- Benefits like Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) have more limitations and could be stopped if you’re abroad too long.
Holiday Payment Delay Warning
If you’re living abroad and your benefit payment date aligns with a US federal holiday, you may experience a delay of one day.
This is because payments are processed by a US-based service provider. It’s important to plan finances accordingly if you’re expecting payments during international travel.
Eligibility Summary
| Rule | Requirement | Risk If Ignored |
|---|---|---|
| Notify the benefit office | Provide travel dates and destination before leaving UK | Benefit stoppage or fraud investigation |
| Explain your reason for travel | State purpose (holiday, medical, family, etc.) | Potential eligibility breach |
| Report changes while abroad | Declare any new circumstances impacting your benefits | Overpayments and possible legal penalties |
| Travel destination | Must be EEA/special agreement country for continued claims | Ineligibility for certain benefit types |
| Return timeline | State if the travel is temporary or permanent | Assumption of permanent move if unclear |
Important Reminders for June 2025
As of June 2025, the DWP has confirmed the following:
- A short trip does not automatically stop your benefit, but failure to inform can trigger fraud flags.
- You must notify both DWP and HMRC if your trip exceeds a short-term holiday.
- Always check eligibility rules if staying abroad longer than 4 weeks.
Travelling abroad while receiving UK benefits requires strict adherence to DWP rules. Failure to notify your trip details, explain your reasons, or report changes can lead to stopped payments and legal issues.
Stay compliant this summer to avoid losing your entitlements and ensure continued support during your time away.
FAQs
How long can I stay abroad without losing my benefits?
You can usually stay abroad for up to 4 weeks without affecting most benefits, but you must notify the DWP before leaving.
Can I still get Universal Credit while on holiday?
Yes, but only if your trip meets specific conditions and you’ve informed your work coach in advance.
What happens if I forget to report my holiday to the DWP?
Your benefits could be paused, you may need to repay funds, and in serious cases, you might face legal consequences for fraud.