Overview

• Claimants on Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, PIP and ten other benefits must report overseas trips to the Department for Work and Pensions.
• Deliberately withholding travel plans may be treated as benefit fraud and can trigger penalties from £350 up to £5,000 or court action.
• Reporting requirements differ by benefit and duration, such as a one-month absence limit for Universal Credit and a four-week exemption for Attendance Allowance.
• Notifications can be submitted via online accounts, benefit-specific helpline numbers or by contacting local Jobcentre Plus offices.
• Claimants relocating to European Economic Area states or countries with special agreements must also notify HMRC and may continue receiving certain UK benefits abroad.