PIP claimants going on holiday warned over DWP travel rule that could stop benefit payments

Thousands of people claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) are expected to head abroad this summer, but failing to follow one important Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) rule could put benefit payments at risk.

If you're claiming PIP and plan to spend more than four weeks outside the UK, you must tell the DWP before you travel. In some cases, payments can stop if you stay abroad for too long or don't report your trip.

Can you go abroad if you claim PIP?

Yes, anyone claiming PIP can take a holiday overseas or head abroad for a visit.

However, the DWP has rules about how long you can be outside the UK while continuing to receive the benefit.

Do you have to tell the DWP if you're going abroad?

You will need to tell DWP if you claim PIP and plan to be away for more than four weeks.

The government advice is to contact the office that pays your PIP before you travel if you expect to be outside the UK for longer than 28 days.

How long can you stay abroad and still receive PIP?

In most cases, you can continue receiving PIP while you're temporarily abroad for up to:

• 13 weeks if you're on holiday or temporarily overseas.

• 26 weeks if you're travelling abroad specifically for medical treatment.

If you stay away longer than the permitted period, your entitlement may end..

What happens if you don't tell the DWP?

If you fail to report a relevant change in your circumstances, such as being abroad for more than four weeks, the DWP may review your claim.

Depending on your circumstances, this could lead to payments being suspended or stopped, and if you've been overpaid you may be asked to repay the money.

What if you're also claiming Universal Credit?

The rules are different for Universal Credit and PIP.

Most Universal Credit claimants can only continue receiving the benefit while abroad for up to one month, provided they remain eligible and tell their work coach before they travel.

What should you do before travelling?

Before you leave the UK, make sure you:

• Check how long you'll be away.

• Tell the DWP if your trip will last more than four weeks.

• Keep details of your travel dates.

• Contact the DWP if your plans change while you're abroad.

Doing this can help avoid unnecessary delays or problems with your payments.