The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has published updated guidance outlining the conditions under which Universal Credit claimants can retain their benefit while spending time outside the UK. The rules vary depending on the reason for travel and the length of time spent abroad. In most cases, payments can continue for a limited period if eligibility is maintained.
According to Manchester Evening News, the DWP has clarified that claimants must inform their work coach before leaving the country and may lose entitlement if key conditions are not met. The guidance applies to temporary absences and does not support permanent relocation abroad.
Universal Credit and International Travel
Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit that was first introduced in the UK in 2013 to replace multiple legacy benefits. By 2018, all new benefit claimants were required to apply for Universal Credit, while those on older systems continued to receive their existing awards.
Today, recipients of Universal Credit can continue to receive payments for up to one month while temporarily abroad, as long as certain conditions are met. According to the DWP, in order to continue receiving payments, claimants:
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
Claimants must also note that Universal Credit cannot be applied for from outside the UK, and payments do not continue in the case of a permanent move abroad.
Exceptions for Longer Stays Abroad
Some specific circumstances allow claimants to receive Universal Credit for a longer period—up to six months.
These include situations where the individual travels for medical treatment, undertakes an approved period of convalescence, or accompanies a partner or child undergoing either.
The DWP defines approved convalescence as a recovery period formally recommended by a medical professional and approved as valid by the department.
Extension in Case of Family Bereavement
If a close relative dies while the claimant is abroad and returning to the UK is deemed unreasonable, the DWP may approve an additional one-month extension of payments. This measure is discretionary and subject to individual case review.
Rules for Armed Forces, Civil Servants, and Diplomats
Claimants who are civil servants, diplomats, or members of the armed forces may be able to continue receiving Universal Credit while abroad if they are posted overseas for work duties.
The DWP guidance specifies that:
“You’ll need to use a specific address when you claim”
This means that armed forces personnel, in particular, must register a designated UK-based address at the start of their claim and must also inform their work coach before departure. Depending on the deployment, they may still need to meet some parts of their claimant commitment.
Eligibility for Mariners and Offshore Workers
Individuals employed as mariners or continental shelf workers may also retain eligibility for Universal Credit for up to six months, as long as they were entitled at the time of their departure. This provision reflects the intermittent nature of maritime and offshore work, which often involves temporary stays outside the UK.
Claimant Responsibilities and DWP Enforcement
Regardless of the reason for travel, all claimants must be eligible for Universal Credit when they leave the UK, remain eligible throughout their time abroad, and notify their work coach in advance. Failure to comply with these rules may result in benefit suspension or termination, depending on the case.
