Going on holiday could see Universal Credit payments stopped | Personal Finance | Finance

Universal Credit recipients are being warned that their payments could be halted if they take a holiday without informing the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Claimants must report any significant life changes, including going abroad, as it’s considered a change in circumstances.

Although benefit rules permit holidays of up to one month, claimants are bound by the conditions they agreed to upon applying for support.

The Government has issued clear guidelines stating: “You need to report changes to your circumstances so you keep getting the right amount each month. You need to report changes as soon as they happen. Any delay may mean you receive too much money and will have to make a repayment.

“Changes in your circumstances can affect how much you’re paid for your whole assessment period – not just from the date you report them.”

It is important for new Universal Credit applicants to note that they must be in the UK on the day they apply, although travelling later that day or returning from a trip on the same day is usually permitted.

Claimants who accept Universal Credit also agree to responsibilities such as actively seeking work, which might necessitate cutting a trip short for a job interview or to commence employment.

To prevent any potential issues, those affected should contact the Universal Credit helpline at 0800 238 5644 immediately.

Punishment for not reporting changes to the DWP

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a stern warning: “You could be taken to court or have to pay a penalty if you give wrong information or do not report a change in your circumstances.”

Moreover, the DWP emphasises that failing to promptly disclose any alterations in circumstances may result in the obligation to repay some of the benefits received. Should it emerge that there was a deliberate omission to report a change, the DWP will categorise this as benefit fraud and initiate an investigation.

Universal Credit recipients who are suspected of intentionally concealing a change in their situation to commit benefit fraud face the possibility of having their payments halted during the inquiry and might even receive a visit from Fraud Investigation Officers.

Those found guilty of committing or attempting to commit benefit fraud will be required to reimburse any overpaid funds or could face legal action, potentially resulting in a fine of up to £5,000. Additionally, their Universal Credit benefits may be decreased or completely ceased.

Other changes that need to be reported

Going on holiday is not the only circumstance change that could affect your Universal Credit claim. Official guidance also provides the following changes that need to be reported:

• changes to other money you get (for example student loans or grants, sick pay or money you get from a charity)
• changing your name or gender
• starting or ending a civil partnership
• changes to your pension, savings, investments or property
• your income going up or down
• going into hospital, a care home or sheltered accommodation
• changing your doctor
• starting or stopping caring for someone
• finding or finishing a job, or working different hours
• you or your partner getting back-pay (sometimes called ‘arrears’) for salary or earnings you’re owed
• having a baby
• changes to the benefits you or anyone else in your house gets
• people moving into or out of the place you live (for example your partner, a child or lodger)
• starting or stopping education, training or an apprenticeship
• any changes to your medical condition or disability
• getting married or divorced
• planning to go abroad for any length of time
• the death of your partner or someone you live with
• moving house
• changes to your immigration status, if you’re not a British citizen

Full details can be found here.