travelling abroad and universal credit

DWP's five Universal Credit rules if you're going on holiday or overseas

There are certain circumstances to be aware of regarding travelling abroad and Universal Credit

• 12:35, 29 OCT 2022

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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed whether or not you can go on holiday while claiming Universal Credit.

Universal Credit can be claimed for one month if you go aboard as long you are eligible for it, remain eligible while you're abroad, and inform your work coach that you're going. If you move to a different country permanently you cannot continue to claim Universal Credit, the DWP states.

Certain circumstances warrant an extension to the cut off point. If a close relative to you dies while you are abroad you can get Universal Credit for one extra month on top of the initial month, but this only applies if it would not be reasonable for you to come back to the UK.

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If you were visiting a relative who lives in another country and they pass away while you were there, you could get Universal Credit for the extra month. But if a family member in the UK died while you were abroad you could not, the ECHO reports.

Going abroad for medical treatment, allows you to continue to claim Universal Credit for six months or if 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.

The Department for Work and Pension (DWP) should be notified before you go. If you don't, or if you go abroad for longer than a month and the travel does not fall under the specific circumstances when the one-month period can be extended, then the Universal Credit assessment period is reduced to nil.

This means you next Universal Credit payment will not be paid on the due date, but it won't be terminated altogether. You won't have to start your claim again and wait another five weeks.

A DWP spokesperson said: "Claimants must be in Great Britain on the day the Universal Credit claim was submitted. Those who travel abroad or have come back on the same day the claim is submitted may be eligible for Universal Credit. If a claimant is unable to accept a Claimant Commitment - the document listing all the things they must do to get UC - because they are abroad on holiday, they won't get the benefit and will be required to make a new claim on their return to the UK."

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DWP rules on going abroad while on Universal Credit

Before booking a holiday or flight you should notify the Department for Work and Pensions

• 08:15, 29 OCT 2022
• Updated 08:35, 29 OCT 2022

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The Department for Work and Pensions has a number of rules around travelling abroad that claimants should be aware of.

Those on Universal Credit can continue to claim one month, according to the DWP , which outlines certain criteria for international travel.

People can continue to claim for one month so long as you are eligible for it, remain eligible while you're abroad, and inform your work coach that you're going, Liverpool Echo reports.

But t he DWP warns that cannot continue to claim Universal Credit if you move to a different country permanently, and you can't apply for Universal Credit whilst you're abroad.

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If a close relative to you dies while you are abroad you can get Universal Credit for one extra month, but this only applies if it would not be reasonable for you to come back to the UK. So for example if you were visiting a relative who lives in another country and they passes away while you were there, you could get Universal Credit for the extra month, but if a family member in the UK died while you were abroad you could not.

There are some exceptions to this, including going abroad for medical treatment. You can continue to claim Universal Credit for six months if 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.

Before you book a holiday or flight you should notify the Department for Work and Pension (DWP) that you intend to go abroad and the reason. If you don't, or if you go abroad for longer than a month and the travel does not fall under the specific circumstances when the one-month period can be extended, then the Universal Credit assessment period is reduced to nil.

This means you next Universal Credit payment will not be paid on the due date, but it won't be terminated altogether. So while you won't get a payment for the period you've been away, you won't have to start your claim again and wait another five weeks.

A DWP spokesperson said: "Claimants must be in Great Britain on the day the Universal Credit claim was submitted. Those who travel abroad or have come back on the same day the claim is submitted may be eligible for Universal Credit.

"If a claimant is unable to accept a Claimant Commitment - the document listing all the things they must do to get UC - because they are abroad on holiday, they won't get the benefit and will be required to make a new claim on their return to the UK."

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DWP rules on claiming benefits when you are out the country

If you go abroad for an extended period of time your eligibility can change

• 12:50, 1 NOV 2022

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If you want to claim Universal Credit while abroad there are certain requirements you have to fulfil, according to the Department for Work and Pensions. Brits can continue to claim Universal Credit for one month if they go abroad, as long as they are eligible for it and continue to remain eligible.

Claimants will also need to inform their work coach that they’re going on the trip. However, you will no longer be able to claim for Universal Credit if you permanently move to a different country, and while you are abroad you will not be able to apply for Universal Credit, the Liverpool Echo reports .

You will be able to get Universal Credit for one extra month if a close relative dies while you are abroad, but this only applies if it would not be reasonable for you to come back to the UK. For example, you would receive Universal Credit for an extra month if you were visiting a relative who lives in another country and they pass away while you’re there, but you would not be able to get it if a family member in the UK died while you were abroad.

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There are some exceptions to this, including going abroad for medical treatment. You can continue to claim Universal Credit for six months if 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.

Before you book a holiday or flight you should notify the Department for Work and Pension (DWP) that you intend to go abroad and the reason. If you don't, or if you go abroad for longer than a month and the travel does not fall under the specific circumstances when the one-month period can be extended, then the Universal Credit assessment period is reduced to nil.

This means you next Universal Credit payment will not be paid on the due date, but it won't be terminated altogether. So while you won't get a payment for the period you've been away, you won't have to start your claim again and wait another five weeks.

A DWP spokesperson said: "Claimants must be in Great Britain on the day the Universal Credit claim was submitted. Those who travel abroad or have come back on the same day the claim is submitted may be eligible for Universal Credit.

"If a claimant is unable to accept a Claimant Commitment - the document listing all the things they must do to get UC - because they are abroad on holiday, they won't get the benefit and will be required to make a new claim on their return to the UK."

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DWP explains travel rules for Universal Credit - are you allowed to go on holiday?

DWP officials detail rules on going on holiday for Universal Credit claimants - including if payments are stopped and whether you can be forced to come back home

• 12:30, 3 AUG 2021
• Updated 10:23, 4 AUG 2021

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With the summer holiday season here and travel advice changing on green, amber and red lists as well as vaccination and quarantine requirements, many people are planning a getaway.

But what if you are on benefits? Are you allowed to take a holiday while receiving Universal Credit ?

With the number of people on Universal Credit having doubled to six million in the past year, there are a lot of newcomers to the benefit and some have asked BirminghamLive what the rules are regarding holidays.

READ MORE: PIP rules could stop payments if you go on holiday - or you could be fined

This is what the DWP said when asked to explain the policy for Universal Credit and travel.

We have already covered what the PIP rules are for going on holiday .

And we have also outlined 13 key changes that could affect Universal Credit payments and trigger a DWP penalty .

Universal Credit and holidays - the DWP rules

Claimants must be in Great Britain on the day the Universal Credit claim was submitted. Those who travel abroad or have come back on the same day the claim is submitted may be eligible for Universal Credit.

If a claimant is unable to accept a Claimant Commitment - the document listing all the things they must do to get UC - because they are abroad on holiday, they won't get the benefit and will be required to make a new claim on their return to GB.

• Universal Credit

Temporary absences of up to one month

There are circumstances in which people are entitled to keep receiving their Universal Credit while not in this country temporarily.

Before you book or fly, you should notify the DWP that you intend to go abroad for any reason.

The holiday can be for up to one month but you must stick to the conditions of the claimant commitment you agreed to when first applying. Evidence of looking for work - such as a list of jobs you have applied for - has to be submitted.

Unless you are in a LCWRA (limited capability for work-related activity) group where a health issue means you are not required to look for a job while on Universal Credit , you are expected to try to get back into work.

That includes putting a CV together, applying to vacancies and attending any interviews that crop up. This has to continue while you are on holiday.

Exceeding the one-month absence

An advisor said: "People must comply with their Claimant Commitment and still have to do that while abroad.

"If a claimant is in an intensive work search regime, they are expected to spend 35 to 37 hours a week looking for work.

"There are no limits to the number of periods away of up to one month that are allowed in each year.

"But when any period of time abroad exceeds a month, we are notified and have to decide if the extended absence can be approved."

Universal Credit reduced to nil

If a prolonged absence does not fall under the specific circumstances when the one-month period can be extended, then the Universal Credit assessment period is reduced to nil.

That means no Universal Credit will be paid on the next due date.

Your Universal Credit won't be terminated altogether so you won't have to start a claim all over again and wait another five weeks, but you won't get any benefit payment covering the period you've been away. (UC is paid in arrears rather than in advance).

Can a claimant be forced to come home?

The DWP says claimants must carry on meeting the conditions of their claim while on holiday, including any requirement to look for work.

"They must be prepared to end their absence abroad to attend job interviews or start work", the DWP said. "We have never asked anyone to come back early but it is a possibility."

This means that in a worst-case scenario, where an interview date or job start date are offered while a claimant is away and cannot be rearranged, they would need to come back from their holiday.

"Claimants must prioritise looking for work and taking up a job", the official told us. "And a lot of claimants who have been abroad have managed to do that."

Special considerations

In some situations, an extended absence will be approved by the DWP and then requirements to look for work can be switched off.

These are bereavements, medical treatment, Crown servants and HM Armed Forces, and offshore workers.

In the case of the death of a close relative such as a partner, child or a young person the claimant is responsible for, while you are abroad, these rules can be suspended for up to two months if it is unreasonable to expect the claimant to return home within the month.

"If the claimant can provide evidence of the death, we can switch off their work-related requirements whilst they are abroad," the DWP said.

And if a claimant is receiving medical treatment or is accompanying their partner, child or qualifying young person who is receiving such treatment, the DWP can consider agreeing to an extended absence for up to six months. If the claimant can provide evidence of this, their work-related requirements can be switched off while they are abroad.

Claimants who are away working as mariners or continental shelf workers can also get an absence approved for up to six months.

Crown servants or those serving in HM Forces who are posted overseas do not need to meet the basic requirement to be in GB if they are carrying out their overseas duties, and were habitually resident in the UK immediately before the first posting (or the first of consecutive postings).

If a partner accompanies a joint claimant, they also do not need to meet the basic requirement to be in GB. However, they must still satisfy their work-related requirements and meet their claimant commitment while they are abroad.

What if you get stuck overseas because of Covid travel guidance?

If you find yourself unexpectedly stuck in a country for longer than planned, what happens then?

In the current climate of pandemic-related travel rules, there have been instances such as Britain closing borders to a country with a Covid surge, meaning overseas travellers are unable to come home.

And there may be situations where a holidaymaker is unable to fly back to Britain because of testing positive for coronavirus and must then go into quarantine for 10 days until a negative test result.

These circumstances would then be referred to a DWP decision-maker.

"It would be taken on a case by case basis," said the DWP advisor.

Is it different for UK holidays?

The same rules apply to those taking holidays within the UK. They will need to inform their work coach that they are going away so that any appointments can be rebooked, although this is up to the work coach's discretion.

They are still expected to carry out the work-related requirements which are outlined in their Claimant Commitment and will need to update their Universal Credit journal or job application section with their job search activity.

For the purposes of state benefits such as Universal Credit where there are conditions requiring most claimants to get back into the labour market, there is no concept of a holiday either at home or abroad, the DWP said. This means things must continue to be done the same as when the claimant was back at home.

The DWP official told us: "Being on holiday is not a reason for not carrying out work search, work preparation or availability requirements.

"A claimant who is on holiday must continue to meet their work-related requirements as set out in their Claimant Commitment.

"They will still need to produce evidence of their work search and complete other activities documented in their Claimant Commitment.

"If a claimant is unable to attend a mandatory appointment such as a Work Search Review, the work coach can use their discretion to rearrange this if they decide the claimant is still available for work and able to undertake their work-related requirements."

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DWP explains if your Universal Credit will be stopped if you go on holiday

People who claim Universal Credit have to notify the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) if they are travelling overseas - and you can normally be away for up to one month

• 07:00, 10 Jun 2023

Universal Credit claimants will want to be aware of the rules for going abroad if they’re planning a trip abroad this summer.

People who claim Universal Credit have to notify the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) if they are travelling overseas.

You can continue claiming your benefit if you are away from the UK for up to one month at a time.

But during this time, you will be required to stick to the requirements in your claimant commitment - and this could mean looking for work while abroad.

Those who are in the intensive work group should be spending 35 to 37 hours a week looking for work, and this does not change if you go on holiday.

This means claimants will need to show evidence of the jobs they have looked at and applied for while they've been away.

In some cases, a claimant could be asked to come back home for a job interview or to start work.

The DWP has said: "Claimants must be prepared to end their absence abroad to attend job interviews or start work.

"We have never asked anyone to come back early but it is a possibility."

In some cases, you may be able to keep claiming Universal Credit for longer than one month when you're abroad, for example if you've sadly lost a close relative.

The extension period can be applied in the following circumstances:

• Bereavement
• Medical treatment
• Claimant who is a mariner or continental shelf worker
• Crown servants or those serving in HM Armed Forces

Before booking a holiday or flight, you should notify the DWP that you intend to go abroad and the reason why you are going.

If you don't, or you go abroad for longer than one month, then your Universal Credit assessment period could be reduced to nil.

This means your next Universal Credit payment will not be paid on the due date, but it won't be terminated altogether.

Although you won't get a payment for the period you've been away, you won't have to start your claim again and wait another five weeks for your benefit payment.

If a claimant is receiving medical treatment or is accompanying their partner, child or qualifying young person who is receiving such treatment, the DWP can consider agreeing to an extended absence for up to six months.

If the claimant can provide evidence of this, their work-related requirements can be switched off while they are abroad.

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The DWP rules to know about when going abroad while on Universal Credit

Before booking a holiday or flight you should notify the Department for Work and Pensions

• 08:49, 30 OCT 2022

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The Department for Work and Pensions ha clarified a number of rules around travelling abroad that claimants should be aware of. Those on Universal Credit can continue to claim for one month while overseas, according to the DWP, which outlines certain criteria for claiming while travelling.

People can continue to claim for one month so long as you are eligible for it, remain eligible while you're abroad, and inform your work coach that you're going, Liverpool Echo reports. But the DWP warns that you cannot continue to claim Universal Credit if you move to a different country permanently, and you can't apply for Universal Credit whilst you're abroad.

If a relative dies while you're abroad, you can claim Universal Credit for an extra month, but only if it is not reasonable for you to come back to the UK. For example, if you're visiting a relative who lives overseas, and they pass away while you're there, you can claim Universal Credit for an extra month. However, if a family member in the UK died while you were abroad, you could not claim.

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There are some exceptions to this, including going abroad for medical treatment. You can continue to claim Universal Credit for six months if you go abroad for medical treatment, go abroad for a period of recovery that’s been approved by a medical professional (also known as ‘approved convalescence’), or if your partner or child is going abroad for medical treatment or ‘approved convalescence’ and you’re going with them.

Before you book a holiday or flight you should notify the Department for Work and Pension (DWP) that you intend to go abroad and the reason why. If you don't, or if you go abroad for longer than a month and the travel does not fall under the specific circumstances when the one-month period can be extended, then the Universal Credit assessment period is reduced to nil.

This means your next Universal Credit payment will not be paid on the due date, but it won't be terminated completely. So while you won't get a payment for the period you've been away, you won't have to start your claim again and wait another five weeks.

A DWP spokesperson said: "Claimants must be in Great Britain on the day the Universal Credit claim was submitted. Those who travel abroad or have come back on the same day the claim is submitted may be eligible for Universal Credit.

"If a claimant is unable to accept a Claimant Commitment - the document listing all the things they must do to get UC - because they are abroad on holiday, they won't get the benefit and will be required to make a new claim on their return to the UK."

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The summer holidays and recent wave of glorious weather mean a lot of people are looking to spend time away with their families, often for the first time in many months due to Covid restrictions.

You might want a beach break in Brighton or a sunny stay in Spain , or maybe a year ago you booked a week in Wales with the family and have had to keep pushing back the dates as lockdowns come and go.

But what if the Department for Work and Pensions schedules your next in-person universal credit meeting for slap bang in the middle of your long-planned holiday?

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An estimated 5.5 million households receive universal credit payments, and many of those people are working at the same time. Over a third of the 170,000 people receiving the benefit in Liverpool last December were in work, relying on the payment to top up low wages.

Many people will be wondering if they'll be punished financially by the government department if they take off for a well earned break.

Luckily, you can travel within the country with no sanctions, and you can continue claiming a range of benefits, including universal credit, if you leave the UK temporarily for up to a month.

Only your retirement allowance or industrial death and injury disablement benefits won't be affected by you going abroad.

But there is a catch for people on universal credit and other payments.

While you're unlikely to lose out if you leave for a short trip or medical treatment, or you live and go overseas with a member of the armed forces, you will otherwise have to stick to some obligations.

You must alert your work coach at the local Jobcentre as soon as you plan to go abroad, and you will have to keep with the commitments required as part of receiving universal credit payments.

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That means you will either have to re-arrange your in-person review meeting with your work coach or have one over the phone if the timing clashes with your planned trip away.

You won't get a break from updating your income and expenses for that month either. And you'll have to keep applying for work if that is part of your commitment, as many people are required to treat job hunting like a full-time job in itself.

Just remember to check in with your work coach to see if your eligibility for receiving benefit payments will be affected by a trip down the country or overseas.

They will tell you if you can still met your commitments while taking a breather in the breeze on a beach.

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The five DWP rules on going abroad while receiving Universal Credit

Before booking a holiday or flight you should notify the Department for Work and Pensions, or you could risk having your benefits reduced, or taken away altogether.

• 13:20, 30 OCT 2022

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A certain amount of rules must be followed by Universal Credit claimants if they travel abroad while on benefits.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has outline the guidelines for those who claim the benefit, reports Nottinghamshire Live . Those on Universal Credit can continue to claim one months worth of benefits while abroad, as long as they are eligible.

People must remain eligible while overseas, and inform their work coach that they are going away too. However, the DWP has warned that you cannot continue to claim Universal Credit if they move to a different country permanently, and also cannot apply if they are abroad already.

READ MORE - DWP issues update for Warm House Discount and claimants will receive more money

If a close relative dies while the claimant is abroad, then they can claim the benefit for an extra month, but this only applies if it was not reasonable to travel back to the UK. If a person was visit a relative in a different country and they passed away while they were visiting, you can also claim an extra month.

However, if a family member in the UK died when you were abroad, you could not claim Universal Credit. There are exceptions to this rule, including going abroad for medical treatment.

You can continue to claim Universal Credit for six months if:

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

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Before booking anything, claimants must notify the DWP that they intend to go abroad, and why. If you don't, or if you go abroad for longer than a month and the travel does not fall under the specific circumstances when the one-month period can be extended, then the Universal Credit assessment period is reduced to nil.

This also means that the next Universal Credit payment will not be paid on the due date, but it won't be terminated altogether. So, while you won't get a payment for the period you have been away, you won't need to restart your claim again and wait another five weeks.

A DWP spokesperson said: "Claimants must be in Great Britain on the day the Universal Credit claim was submitted. Those who travel abroad or have come back on the same day the claim is submitted may be eligible for Universal Credit.

"If a claimant is unable to accept a Claimant Commitment - the document listing all the things they must do to get UC - because they are abroad on holiday, they won't get the benefit and will be required to make a new claim on their return to the UK."

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20 Destinations Where Your Dollar Goes Further Than You Think

Posted: June 29, 2024 | Last updated: June 29, 2024

Traveling abroad brings the excitement of exploring new destinations, but managing different currencies often comes with the challenge. Luckily, there are numerous places where the U.S. dollar is widely accepted, offering convenience and ease for travelers. In this guide, we’ll explore 20 surprising destinations where the U.S. dollar holds its value, allowing you to enjoy your journey without worrying about currency exchanges.

Panama uses the U.S. dollar as its official currency, making it effortless for American travelers to navigate transactions without the need for currency exchange.

#2. Ecuador

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#3. El Salvador

El Salvador adopted the U.S. dollar as its official currency in 2001, simplifying transactions for both locals and tourists.

#4. Zimbabwe

Due to hyperinflation, many businesses in Zimbabwe accept U.S. dollars alongside the local currency, providing stability in an otherwise volatile economy.

#5. Cambodia

While the official currency is the Cambodian riel, U.S. dollars are widely accepted and preferred for larger transactions and in tourist areas.

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The U.S. dollar is commonly used alongside the Lebanese pound in Lebanon, offering stability amid economic uncertainty.

#7. Costa Rica

While the official currency is the Costa Rican colón, U.S. dollars are widely accepted throughout the country, especially in tourist destinations.

#8. Vietnam

U.S. dollars are accepted in many tourist areas and upscale establishments in Vietnam, providing convenience for travelers.

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#10. Bermuda

While the Bermudian dollar is the official currency, U.S. dollars are widely accepted and used interchangeably with the local currency.

#11. Bahamas

U.S. dollars are accepted alongside the Bahamian dollar in most establishments, offering convenience for American visitors.

#12. Jordan

In Jordan, U.S. dollars are commonly accepted alongside the Jordanian dinar, especially in tourist areas and upscale establishments.

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While the official currency is the Guatemalan quetzal, U.S. dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas and major cities.

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U.S. dollars are commonly used alongside the Nicaraguan córdoba, especially in tourist areas and upscale establishments.

U.S. dollars are accepted in many tourist areas and upscale resorts in Fiji, providing convenience for international visitors.

#16. Seychelles

While the Seychellois rupee is the official currency, U.S. dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas and upscale establishments.

#17. United Arab Emirates

In the United Arab Emirates, U.S. dollars are commonly accepted alongside the UAE dirham, especially in tourist areas and upscale establishments.

U.S. dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas and major cities in Laos, providing convenience for international visitors.

#19. Turks and Caicos Islands

The official currency is the US dollar, and U.S. dollars are widely accepted and used interchangeably with the local currency.

#20. British Virgin Islands

U.S. dollars are widely accepted in the British Virgin Islands, providing convenience for American visitors exploring the Caribbean destination.

U.S. Dollar Reigns Supreme

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Millennials Don’t Buy These 19 Products Anymore

Millennials are changing consumer habits, quietly replacing once-staple products and traditions. Often criticized for their disruptive preferences, this generation is reshaping the marketplace with digital expertise, ethical buying, and a taste for the unconventional. Millennials Don’t Buy These 19 Products Anymore

The post 20 Destinations Where Your Dollar Goes Further Than You Think  first appeared on Thrift My Life.

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The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional financial advice.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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DWP rules for Universal Credit claimants who are going on holiday and how benefits are affected

People who receive benefits could lose their payments unless they follow certain rules - here's what you need to know

• 08:58, 19 MAY 2023

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Benefit claimants going on holiday could lose their payments unless they follow certain rules.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has a number of holiday rules for people who claim benefits such as Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payments (PIP). If those rules are not followed, claimants could have their regular payments cut or even reduced to zero, reports Wales Online .

Here is everything you need to know about your rights to benefits when going abroad. The following information includes details about what you need to tell the DWP and what happens if you don't.

Read More: DWP list of 23 health conditions that qualify for over £300 a month in cash support

How long can I claim Universal Credit for if I go on holiday?

According to the current rules you can continue claiming your benefit if you are away from the UK for one month. However during this time you will need to continue to meet the requirements you agreed to when first claiming Universal Credit. You must:

• be eligible for Universal Credit when you’re going abroad
• remain eligible for it while you’re abroad
• tell your work coach that you’re going

Those who are in the intensive work group currently need to spend 35 to 37 hours a week looking for work and this remains the case if you go on holiday. Claimants therefore need to show evidence that they were looking for work such as providing their work coach with a list of jobs they have applied for even while they were away.

Previous DWP guidance has said claimants "must be prepared to end their absence abroad to attend job interviews or start work" but added: "We have never asked anyone to come back early but it is a possibility."

If a close relative dies while you’re abroad and it would not be reasonable for you to come back to the UK you can usually get Universal Credit for one more month. You cannot get it if you’re moving abroad permanently and can't apply for it if you’re already abroad.

Are there any exceptions to the one-month rule?

Yes, there are some exceptions to the one-month rule and you can go away and continue to claim Universal Credit for six months if you:

• Go abroad for medical treatment
• Go abroad for a period of recovery that's been approved by a medical professional – this is also known as "approved convalescence"
• Your partner or child is going aboard for medical treatment or "approved convalescence" and you are going with them

The most important thing to remember is that you should always tell the DWP that you intend to go abroad and the reason why you are going. If you don't, or you go abroad for longer than a month and the travel does not fall under the extension rules, then your Universal Credit assessment period could be reduced to nil. This doesn't mean your claim will be cancelled but your next payment will not be paid on the due date.

What about other benefits?

The rules for telling the office that administers your benefit applies across the board to most benefits such as carer's allowance and ESA. If you don't do this or go abroad for longer than a month you could have your claim reduced to zero. There is some variation including in the case of disability benefits including DLA, PIP and attendance allowance. You can claim these if you’re going abroad for up to 13 weeks (or 26 weeks if it’s for medical treatment).

You can carry on claiming carer's allowance if you take up to four weeks' holiday out of a 26-week period. However you need to tell the office that deals with your benefit that you’ll be away.

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• Manage an existing benefit, payment or claim

Claiming benefits if you live, move or travel abroad

Jobseeker's allowance.

There are 2 different types of Jobseeker’s Allowance ( JSA ):

• New Style JSA
• income-based JSA

You cannot get income-based JSA abroad.

You may get New Style JSA in the European Economic Area ( EEA ) or Switzerland for up to 3 months if you:

• are entitled to it on the day you go abroad
• register as a jobseeker at least 4 weeks before you leave
• are looking for work in the UK up to the day you leave
• are going abroad to look for work
• register at the equivalent of a Jobcentre in the country you’re going to
• follow the other country’s rules on registering and looking for work
• are covered by the Withdrawal Agreement

Find out if you can get JSA in the EEA or Switzerland .

Moving to a country not in the EEA

Some countries outside the EEA have social security agreements with the UK. This means that if you’ve paid enough National Insurance contributions in the UK, you may be able to get unemployment benefits in:

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Channel Islands
• New Zealand

Help and advice on JSA

International Pension Centre Telephone +44 (0) 191 206 9390 British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service if you’re on a computer - find out how to use the service on mobile or tablet Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 3.30pm Find out about call charges

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