Going abroad while claiming universal credit? Here’s what you need to know

With the holiday season fast approaching, many people will be planning trips abroad. If you receive universal credit, it’s important you understand the rules before you travel so you don’t risk affecting your payments.

The good news is that you can usually travel abroad for up to one month without losing your universal credit, as long as you continue to meet the conditions of your claim.

Before you travel, you must:

• be eligible for universal credit before you leave the UK
• remain eligible while you’re abroad
• tell your work coach you’re travelling, update your online journal, or contact the universal credit helpline
• continue meeting your claimant commitment while away, including job-search activities if these apply to you

You can’t:

• claim universal credit if you move abroad permanently
• make a new universal credit claim while already outside the UK

Special circumstances

If a close relative dies while you’re abroad and it would not be reasonable for you to return to the UK straight away, your universal credit can continue for an extra month.

If you’re travelling overseas for medical treatment, you may be allowed to stay abroad for up to six months without your claim ending.

Don’t risk your payments

Failing to report travel plans or not meeting your claimant commitments while abroad could affect your universal credit payments, so it’s always best to check the rules before you go.

For more information visit the government website.

Not sure what benefits you could get?

You could be missing out on financial support that helps with everyday essentials and household bills.

Use our benefits calculator to check what you may be entitled to and make sure you’re getting all the support available to you.