How Often Can I Travel Abroad on Universal Credit?

fifa_world_class7
fifa_world_class7 Online Community Member Posts: 14 Listener
in Universal Credit (UC)

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.

Comments

  • Passerby
    Passerby Online Community Member Posts: 890 Championing

    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
    fifa_world_class7 Online Community Member Posts: 14 Listener

    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
    Legwax Online Community Member Posts: 179 Empowering

    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
    fifa_world_class7 Online Community Member Posts: 14 Listener

    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
    Legwax Online Community Member Posts: 179 Empowering

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

  • pereto
    pereto Online Community Member Posts: 31 Connected

    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
    Jayma Online Community Member Posts: 2 Listener

    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
    Albus_Scope Posts: 11,355 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    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
    Poppydoll08 Online Community Member Posts: 15 Connected

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

  • Jayma
    Jayma Online Community Member Posts: 2 Listener

    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
    Albus_Scope Posts: 11,355 Scope Online Community Coordinator
    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.

Categories