Hi, my name is JJ4659! 6 week holiday, forgot to tell DWP

JJ4659

I’m 65 and I retire in June next year. I have brought up 3 autistic kids and wanted a last holiday.

I went on a 6 week holiday I made it 6 weeks as I have a lung condition and if I get an infection it takes approx 2 weeks to work through.

I was going to go next year but my friend died of cancer and I had 2 cancer scares and my health is deteriorating.

I’m on PIp and income support. I switch over to UC in December. I was unaware I had to inform DWP and I know that is no defence.

What will my punishment be. Can anyone help and give me any advice please

Rachel_Scope

Hi @JJ4659 and welcome to the community.

The limit for going abroad on Income Support is 4 weeks and PIP is 13 weeks. I would suggest contacting PIP and Income Support asap to let them know as it's better than them finding out themselves. I've only been able to find information about benefit fraud as you didn't tell them you were going abroad and you've exceeded the limit for Income Support by 2 weeks.

I can't say I know what the consequences would be, sorry. I think the sooner you speak to them the better so they can let you know themselves what the next steps are. Try not to panic about it until they tell you what will happen. It was an honest mistake.

Emilee

Benefit fraud sounds very formal and scary and while it is a type of benefit fraud, try, as Rachel said, to not panic. The best option would be to report it now to Income Support. They may fine you a maximum of £50 and ask you to repay any money you were paid that you were not entitled to.

JJ4659

Thanks for the reply guys but DWP don’t do honest mistakes. I’ve entered it in my form to switch to UC but we’ve been granted another month to complete the switch.

Rachel_Scope

Make sure you contact Income Support and PIP asap so they're aware. Don't wait until the UC switch.