The straightforward vacation error that would result in your DWP advantages being stopped

Editorial Team
4 Min Read


The Division for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a warning to hundreds of thousands of individuals planning a vacation amid particular guidelines

You may find yourself in court docket should you do that on goal(Picture: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)

Holidaymakers want to concentrate on a easy error that would see them lose a bunch of advantages together with PIP and Common Credit score. As many jet off this summer time to seek out the sunshine the Division for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued the warning that impacts hundreds of thousands.

Some might not be conscious that going overseas is classed as a change in circumstances, which have to be reported to the workplace that pays out the advantages.

You may also be obliged to proceed your job hunt whereas overseas. Some people might even be barred from travelling abroad if they’re awaiting the processing of particular claims.

If you don’t notify the DWP you threat your advantages being decreased or stopped. You might be informed to pay again any overpaid quantities.

In case you have did not be clear about your vacation intentionally, it’s classed as profit fraud and you possibly can be taken to court docket or requested to pay a penalty. This may be anyway from £350 to £5,000.

For those who’re submitting a brand new declare for common credit score it’s also essential to notice that you just have to be within the UK on the day of software.

It’s best to be capable of journey overseas later that very same day or return from a vacation earlier that day.

Whilst you can take a vacation for as much as one month, it’s good to adhere to the situations of the claimant dedication that you just agreed to while you utilized for common credit score.

Jobseekers are usually obliged to supply proof of their efforts to seek out work, corresponding to proof of purposes submitted, and should typically have to return to the UK for job interviews or to start out a brand new position. To speak any adjustments of their state of affairs, people can contact the common credit score helpline on 0800 328 5644.

For recipients of private independence funds (PIP), it is essential to tell authorities about sure particulars when planning to journey overseas.

The newest PIP pointers specify: “We might want to know the date the claimant is leaving the nation, how lengthy they’re planning to be in a foreign country, which nation they’ll and why they’re going overseas.”

For those who’re contemplating a vacation that extends past 4 weeks outdoors the UK, this might have an effect on your PIP entitlements. The steerage additionally states: “We have to know if the claimant’s situation, the quantity of assist they want or their circumstances change.

“It’s because it could change how a lot PIP they will get. It is vital the claimant tells DWP right away about any adjustments of their life that would have an effect on their profit.

“Primarily based on these adjustments, their profit may improve, lower, keep the identical, or cease fully. Ought to there be an overpayment, the claimant will often must repay it. Failing to inform DWP of any adjustments may lead to prosecution.

“A brief absence overseas for as much as 13 weeks could also be allowed, or as much as 26 weeks if the absence is particularly for medical remedy. The claimant ought to notify us if they’re planning to go overseas for 4 weeks or extra.”

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