Benefit claimants could face huge penalties
Millions of benefit claimants have been warned to follow the travel rules about heading abroad over the summer. As we approach the holiday season, thousands of Brits jetting off on getaways to Spain, Greece, Turkey, and other popular destinations.
In the case of Universal Credit, there are 5.8 million claimants according to the latest figures, with 2.2 million of those in employment and getting the benefit to top up their income, and the others either looking for a job or too sick to work. Anyone who is in an intensive work search group is expected to spend 35 to 37 hours a week looking for work, even if they go on holiday this summer.
There are no limits to the number of holidays of up to one month that are allowed each year. But if you're away for longer, the DWP is notified and has to decide if this is allowed. An extended absence can be approved - and requirements to look for work switched off - in the case of bereavement and medical treatment. If a close relative such as a partner or child dies while you are abroad, these rules can be suspended for up to two months.
What are the penalties for unauthorised holidays? If a lengthy absence is not approved, then your Universal Credit assessment period is reduced to nil. That means no Universal Credit will be paid on the next due date. Your benefit 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 payment covering the period you've been away.
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