Holiday abroad while on ESA (Conts)

A friend of mine is planning to go for a long weekend to a family wedding in March and she has been awarded support group ESA she would have to notify the DWP about the trip wouldn't she? What would happen if she didn't? i told her that she would have to tell them but she is not bothered. She is also planning a family holiday to Spain later in the year. She is on income related esa by the way.

paula wrote:

A friend of mine is planning to go for a long weekend to a family wedding in March and she has been awarded support group ESA she would have to notify the DWP about the trip wouldn't she? What would happen if she didn't? i told her that she would have to tell them but she is not bothered. She is also planning a family holiday to Spain later in the year. She is on income related esa by the way.

Hi P,

I can only inform members of the rules.

It is upto them whether they comply with them.

I couldn't comment on the possible implications of not informing the DWP.

bro58

Thanks for reply bro 58, have looked at the link for ESA40 and it is quite clear, they are the rules.

Thanks for the responses folks! See the thread has taken on a bit of an alternative life however!

Have been looking online again myself, and am thinking that info from this link may well be relevant with regards to holidaying abroad:

www.dwp.gov.uk/international/benefits/employment-and-support/

In particular I notice the following, which I'm reading as relating to my own circumstances (ie. ESA (Conts), in Support group)

Temporary absences

If you are temporarily in another country, you can continue to receive either contribution-based or income-related ESA for the first four weeks of your absence, as long as you are unlikely to be away for more than 52 weeks.

I have previously made a point of notifying DWP in writing of when I'm going, how long for, and where to. Never had any problems previously, not even any letter saying something like 'we rec'd your letter'. Therefore, on this occasion, I'm just going to follow the same process I have in previous years

choogle wrote:

Thanks for the responses folks! See the thread has taken on a bit of an alternative life however!

Have been looking online again myself, and am thinking that info from this link may well be relevant with regards to holidaying abroad:

www.dwp.gov.uk/international/benefits/employment-and-support/

In particular I notice the following, which I'm reading as relating to my own circumstances (ie. ESA (Conts), in Support group)

Temporary absences

If you are temporarily in another country, you can continue to receive either contribution-based or income-related ESA for the first four weeks of your absence, as long as you are unlikely to be away for more than 52 weeks.

I have previously made a point of notifying DWP in writing of when I'm going, how long for, and where to. Never had any problems previously, not even any letter saying something like 'we rec'd your letter'. Therefore, on this occasion, I'm just going to follow the same process I have in previous years

Hi C,

I am aware about the rules regarding payment of ESA, whilst temporarily abroad, on holiday etc.

However, that does not detract from the point that a claimant is still supposed to inform the DWP, that they are going to be away from home.

The choice to inform the DWP or not, is obviously upto the individual.

Cheers

bro58

I am amazed by this! I haven't been sent this leaflet! It's totally shocking. If I leave the house, it is with support all around and people have to look after me. I've not been on a break for years, so what astounds me is that they say you're fit to work if you leave home, so they want you to be totally housebound, but then want to drag you out of your home to attend WFI's and work! It's all total rubbish and that's putting it mildly!