How Often Can I Travel Abroad on Universal Credit?

fifa_world_class7

Hi everyone,

I know that Universal Credit allows claimants to travel abroad for up to 4 weeks while still receiving payments, as long as they continue to meet their commitments. However, I’m wondering how often I can do this without it affecting my claim.

From what I understand, there’s no official waiting period before traveling again after returning to the UK, but frequent absences might raise concerns with the DWP about habitual residence. I’d like to know:

• Has anyone experienced issues with multiple trips abroad within a year?
• How does the DWP assess whether someone is still “ordinarily resident” in the UK?
• Would it be advisable to check with my work coach before planning multiple trips?

I’d appreciate any advice or experiences you can share! Thanks in advance.

Passerby

There's no limit to the number of trips, as long as each trip is for a month or less. 

It's crucial to inform your work coach about your travel plans, as this ensures they are aware of your absence and can provide any necessary support or guidance. This can have its pros and cons, which I believe you can figure out.

Hope this helps.

fifa_world_class7

Thank you for your response! I appreciate the clarification that there’s no limit as long as each trip is under a month.

Just to be sure—if someone takes multiple trips in a year, even while informing their work coach, could the DWP still question their habitual residence in the UK? Have you seen cases where frequent travel led to benefit suspensions or reviews?

I just want to make sure I avoid any issues. Thanks again for your help!

Legwax

What would you think about someone going on multiple trips abroad for weeks at a time? UC is paid to those who are expected to look for work. That's what you are up against.

fifa_world_class7

I see your point about job-seeking claimants, but I was specifically asking in the context of someone on LCWRA, who isn’t required to look for work. Would frequent travel still be a concern for the DWP in that case, or is it mainly about maintaining habitual residence?

Legwax

You might want to change your heading then to get some pertinent responses.

pereto

Also on lcwra and last year i went 13 days one month, then 24 days 4 months later and 12 days 2 months later and hasnt been a problem, i never let them know either. this yeas done 18 days and got 3 weeks planned then 29 days the following month

Jayma

Has anyone asked the DWP why these restrictions exist? I am well past retirement age, so I'm not obliged to look for a job. Spending a couple of months in Spain during the winter would save on the heating bills and, as far as I can tell, do nobody any harm. But I get pension credit for part of my income, so I have to jump through the proverbial hoops. Why?

Albus_Scope

Heya @Jayma and welcome to the community.

It's mainly to make sure the people claiming benefits are living in the UK, if you spend increased time abroad, they'll be able to find out through various means including passport control and airlines. So please always let the DWP if you are going abroad for any length of time.

Poppydoll08

hi 2 days abroad next week receiving LCWRA do I need to report to uc if so when do I tell them please

Jayma

Quote: "You will normally be treated as UK resident in any tax year if you are physically present in the UK for 183 days or more in that year. In terms of counting days, this means you are physically present in the UK at midnight on 183 days or more."

Albus_Scope

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1070666#Comment_1070666

The DWP does ask that any benefits claimants let them know if going abroad for any length of time. So it's best that you let them know.

As you're LCWRA you have no work related requirements, so nothing will happen. Unless the reasons for you claiming LCWRA go against you being able to go on holiday.