Hello,
I was recently granted support group status for new style ESA. I currently live in England but have been asked to visit family in Northern Ireland for two weeks at Christmas. I will simply be swapping bed rest here for bed rest in my family home. I note that the .GOV.UK ESA page notes leaving ‘Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) for any period of time’ as a change of circumstances that must be reported. However, other advice seems to refer to leaving the UK (which would include Northern Ireland). Whilst I haven’t seen my family in a year, the process to get ESA has taken a lot out of me and I do not want to jeopardise it.
Do I need to report a proposed 2 week trip to Northern Ireland to DWP? If so, would reporting jeopardise my support group status?
Thank you so much in advance for any clarification you can provide.
