DWP clarifies Universal Credit rules for holidays – payments could stop (2025)

DWP clarifies Universal Credit rules for holidays (Image: Getty)

Universal Credit claimants must follow certain rules set by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) if they plan on jetting off for a holiday this summer. Those who fail to do so could risk losing their payments - or even being fined.

When travelling abroad, claimants can typically continue receiving their Universal Credit for one month. The rules vary depending on your circumstances, but generally, there are three requirements to qualify. Firstly, you must be eligible for Universal Credit when leaving, and you must remain eligible for it while abroad. Thirdly and crucially, you must let your work coach know you’re going.

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Certain changes must be reported to the DWP (Image: Getty)

In other instances, you can continue receiving Universal Credit payments abroad for up to six months.

In order to qualify for the prolonged payments, you must be travelling abroad for medical reasons. According to DWP guidance, the qualifying reasons include:

• You go abroad for medical treatment
• You go abroad for a period of recovery that’s been approved by a medical professional (also known as ‘approved convalescence’)
• Your partner or child is going abroad for medical treatment or ‘approved convalescence’, and you’re going with them.

There are also different rules for claiming Universal Credit while abroad if you’re a civil servant, diplomat or a member of the armed forces.

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If this is you, you may be able to make a claim or keep getting Universal Credit while you’re abroad if:

• You’re abroad due to work duties, for example, posted abroad in the armed forces
• The UK was your main home immediately before you were sent abroad (you were ‘habitually resident’ in the UK).

If you’re a member of the armed forces, you’ll need to use a specific address when you claim, and you need to tell your work coach beforehand.

They’ll let you know which things from your ‘claimant commitment’ you must keep doing while abroad.

Mariners or continental shelf workers entitled to Universal Credit before they leave can continue receiving the benefit for up to six months.

If you’re moving abroad permanently, your payments will stop. You also can’t make a new application when you’re abroad.

Who to contact if you’re going abroad

Claimants travelling abroad must tell their local Jobcentre Plus or the office that pays their benefit. The DWP says you must provide the date that you’re coming back.