Universal Credit warning for anyone going on holiday over little-known rule that could see payments STOPPED

UNIVERSAL Credit claimants going on holiday soon should make sure they know about a rule that could see payments stopped.

It comes as the summer holidays are fast approaching and many of us will be going away.

But if you claim Universal Credit then you have to tell the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) that you’re heading away.

The DWP also expects some claimants, depending on what’s in their commitment, to do at least 35 to 37 of hours a week looking for a job – this includes while you’re on holiday.

Some people on Universal Credit are required to look for work each week and if that’s you then you’ll want to make sure you’re following the rules.

This usually applies to those in the “intensive work group” of Universal Credit.

You may also be asked to provide evidence that you have looked for work during the time you’re abroad.

If you don’t, you could see your claim stopped or reduced, and you might even have to cut your holiday short.

Plus, you might have to pay between £350 and £5,000 – this will come off your Universal Credit payments.

This is because not reporting a change in circumstances can be classed as benefit fraud.

If you land yourself in this situation, you can see benefits frozen while your claim is being investigated and you might even have to go to court.

How long can I stay abroad and still receive benefits?

There are limits on how long you can stay abroad and carry on receiving your benefits.

But the criteria depends on which specific benefit you are on.

If you are on Universal Credit, you can stay abroad for one month and carry on receiving payments, given you’ve told your work coach you’re going away and you carry on meeting the conditions of your claim.

That means if you are in the intensive work group and have to spend a minimum amount of hours per week looking for a job, you have to continue doing this.

There are exceptions to the one-month rule though – such as if a “close relative” dies while you are abroad and it is not deemed reasonable for you to return to the UK.

Meanwhile, you can carry on claiming Universal Credit for up to six months if you have gone abroad for medical treatment.

The criteria is different for other benefits.

For example, if you are on Personal Independence Payment (PIP), you can keep claiming the benefit if you’re abroad for up to 13 weeks, or 26 if it’s for medical treatment.

You should check out the government’s website for more details on the rules for each benefit.

How do I report a change in circumstances?

How you report a change in circumstances depends on the benefit you are receiving.

If you are claiming Universal Credit, you can record any changes on your online journal or contact the helpline on 0800 328 5644.

You can also get in touch with your local Jobcentre Plus.

Meanwhile, if you receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP), you have to contact the enquiry line on 0800 121 4433.

You can also get someone to call on your behalf, but you’ll need to be with them when they phone up.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk