Good morning, I'm new here and looking for advice.
Last year I won my PIP tribunal and received arrears payments, life was (and still is) kicking me hard, so I impulsively booked a holiday for myself and my daughter, after my best friend suggested we go visit her for some much needed respite. She can't put us up, so we've booked to stay at a small resort 5 mins from her apartment. When I booked I was on ESA for physical and mental health conditions-both of which have got worse, now I'm on UC LCWRA, so don't have any job search commitments or a work coach. Since booking, my Dad passed away, my daughter has suffered 2 patellar dislocations and now has a diagnosis of Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos, syndrome and my physical and mental health is fragile to say the least. Whilst looking on my UC account today to suss how to tell them about an upcoming rent increase, I saw the section that states you must report going abroad as a change of circumstances? How is a holiday a change in circumstances?
This has put me into severe anxiety mode! I'm already anxious about travelling as I've never travelled with my daughter, or been abroad in over 17 years, and now I'm in panic mode about telling them my travel plans in case someone decides that means I'm not ill enough to receive my current benefits. If I don't report it, I believe I could get sanctioned? If I do, could I get penalised and demonised?
I'm angry and confused....are disabled people not allowed some r&r? Why do UC need to know when I don't have any commitments?
I have searched previous posts and other forums, but the advice is so conflicting I just don't know if I should even go away....but cancelling will devestate my daughter as we really do both need an escape, and my bestie will be looking after us both.
Thanks in advance.
