- Posts: 13
× Members
Informing the DWP about going abroad.
- NorthernHeights
- Topic Author
- Offline
Less More
1 year 9 months ago #278629 by NorthernHeights
Informing the DWP about going abroad. was created by NorthernHeights
What is the situation if a UK benefits claimant DLA and CBESA), has a once in a lifetime chance to enjoy a foreign holiday? The information on the Gov website seems ambiguous. The person can go abroad for a certain amount of weeks without affecting their benefits (I forget how long), but they must still inform their local job centre as I understand it. No consequences are mentioned if the claimant doesn't inform the DWP.
I have so many questions, so thanks in advance...
*Why have the DWP decided they need to know about this?
*How can the claimant be sure the DWP won't use it as an excuse to consider this a change in circumstances, and stop their legacy benefits claim and force them to try claiming for UC, even though that person wouldn't qualify for it?
*Is the whole thing just another excuse to heap draconian misery on people already under pressure due to reasons beyond their control?
*How the heck would the DWP know otherwise if the claimant acted like a person not under negative government scrutiny for being born different, and just went abroad anyway without telling them?
*What would the consequences be if it was discovered by the DWP that the claimant had been abroad on holiday?
I have so many questions, so thanks in advance...
*Why have the DWP decided they need to know about this?
*How can the claimant be sure the DWP won't use it as an excuse to consider this a change in circumstances, and stop their legacy benefits claim and force them to try claiming for UC, even though that person wouldn't qualify for it?
*Is the whole thing just another excuse to heap draconian misery on people already under pressure due to reasons beyond their control?
*How the heck would the DWP know otherwise if the claimant acted like a person not under negative government scrutiny for being born different, and just went abroad anyway without telling them?
*What would the consequences be if it was discovered by the DWP that the claimant had been abroad on holiday?
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Gordon
- Offline
Less More
- Posts: 51288
1 year 9 months ago #278652 by Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic Informing the DWP about going abroad.
NorthernHeights
I cannot tell you that you do not need to contact the DWP but as long as your holiday is within the prescribed limit; 4 weeks for ESA and 13 for DLA.
*Why have the DWP decided they need to know about this?
Because they have decided that they do
*How can the claimant be sure the DWP won't use it as an excuse...
Because it isn't as long as you stay within the limits.
*Is the whole thing just another excuse...
No
*How the heck would the DWP know
It's unlikely that they would but I am aware of cases where the DWP have found out, but this has only been an issue where the claimant exceeded the limit or the holiday itself undermined the reasons for the benefit they were receiving, an action holiday for someone with alleged severe back problems.
*What would the consequences
If the limits are met then nothing, if they are exceeded then the awards could be removed.
Gordon
I cannot tell you that you do not need to contact the DWP but as long as your holiday is within the prescribed limit; 4 weeks for ESA and 13 for DLA.
*Why have the DWP decided they need to know about this?
Because they have decided that they do
*How can the claimant be sure the DWP won't use it as an excuse...
Because it isn't as long as you stay within the limits.
*Is the whole thing just another excuse...
No
*How the heck would the DWP know
It's unlikely that they would but I am aware of cases where the DWP have found out, but this has only been an issue where the claimant exceeded the limit or the holiday itself undermined the reasons for the benefit they were receiving, an action holiday for someone with alleged severe back problems.
*What would the consequences
If the limits are met then nothing, if they are exceeded then the awards could be removed.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
Moderators: Gordon, Gary, BIS, Catherine, Wendy, Kelly, greekqueen, peter, Katherine, Super User, Chris, David