Universal Credit Going Abroad: How Long Can You Go & What to Report
You can usually go abroad on Universal Credit for one month if you stay eligible and tell your work coach before you leave. A bereavement abroad can add one more month, and medical treatment can allow up to six months. You cannot claim if you are moving abroad permanently.
Can You Go Abroad on Universal Credit?
Yes. You can go abroad on Universal Credit for a temporary trip, such as a holiday, if you meet the conditions. A short trip does not automatically end your claim.
You need to:
- Be eligible for Universal Credit when you leave
- Remain eligible while you are abroad
- Tell your work coach that you are going
Your work coach will tell you which parts of your claimant commitment you need to keep doing while you are away. If you have work-search requirements, check them before you book. DWP guidance says people in the most intensive work-search group must be prepared to end a trip early for a job interview or job offer.
How Long Can You Go Abroad on Universal Credit?
The normal limit is one month. It applies when you do not plan to be away for more than a month when you set off, and you do not stay longer.
| Reason for being abroad | Possible period |
|---|---|
| Holiday or personal trip | Up to 1 month |
| Close relative dies while you are abroad and it would not be reasonable to return | 1 further month |
| Medical treatment | Up to 6 months |
| Approved recovery after treatment (“approved convalescence”) | Up to 6 months |
| Caring for a partner or child having treatment or recovery | Up to 6 months |
| Mariners and continental shelf workers | Up to 6 months |
| Civil servants, diplomats and armed forces posted abroad | Special rules apply |
The longer periods have their own conditions. They are not general extensions for a holiday. If you already know your trip will be longer than a month, speak to Universal Credit before you book.
Universal Credit Holiday Rules
Before you go on holiday abroad:
- Check the whole trip is one month or less.
- Check your work-related requirements with your work coach.
- Report the trip and your travel dates.
- Keep your booking details in case you are asked to confirm them.
Allow for delays. If a cancelled flight could push you past one month, report the change as soon as you know. Do not wait until you are back.
How to Report Going Abroad (and How Will DWP Know?)
How to report it
- Sign in to your Universal Credit account.
- Send a message in your journal with your destination and travel dates.
- Contact Universal Credit by phone if you cannot use your journal. You can also see our Universal Credit helpline guide.
- Report again if your return date changes.
How will Universal Credit know if you go abroad?
Do not rely on them not finding out. It is your responsibility to tell your work coach before you go. Missed appointments, unanswered journal messages and unreported changes can all raise questions about your claim.
What if you do not tell them?
DWP guidance says that if you only report the trip after it has happened, you may not be entitled to Universal Credit for the period you were away. You may also have to repay money you were paid for that time.
How Many Times Can You Go Abroad on Universal Credit?
DWP guidance indicates there is no set limit on how many trips of up to one month you can take in a year. Each absence is looked at on its own, so each trip must be reported and stay within the time limit.
For example, a three-week trip in May and another in November can each fall within the one-month rule.
However, very frequent or long stays may lead DWP to question whether you are really living in Great Britain, which is a basic condition of the claim. If you plan several trips, speak to your work coach before booking.
What Happens to Your Universal Credit While You Are Abroad?
If your trip meets the rules, your claim can continue for up to one month, and you must keep meeting any commitments your work coach has confirmed.
Two things are not allowed:
- You cannot get Universal Credit if you are moving abroad permanently.
- You cannot apply for Universal Credit if you are already abroad.
Going Abroad for Medical Treatment
You can continue to get Universal Credit for up to six months if you go abroad:
- For medical treatment carried out by a qualified medical professional
- For a period of recovery after treatment in England, Scotland or Wales
- To care for your partner or child who is getting medical treatment or going through recovery
If you are going abroad specifically to recover, a medical professional in the UK must have approved it. You can stay in the country where the treatment took place to recover or to care for your partner or child. As soon as you know you are going, contact Universal Credit.
Going Abroad for Work
Different rules apply if you are abroad because of your work.
- Civil servants, diplomats and armed forces: you may be able to make a claim or keep getting Universal Credit if you are abroad due to work duties and the UK was your main home immediately before you were sent abroad. Armed forces personnel must use a specific address when claiming. See GOV.UK guidance for armed forces personnel posted overseas.
- Mariners and continental shelf workers: if you are entitled to Universal Credit when you go abroad, you can continue to get it for up to six months.
In every case, tell your work coach before you go. They will tell you which parts of your claimant commitment you need to keep doing.
What Happens If You Stay Abroad Longer Than Allowed?
If you stay away longer than the permitted period and no exception applies, your Universal Credit can stop for the time you were away and your claim may close. Money paid when you were not entitled may have to be repaid.
If your claim closes, you would need to make a new claim once you are back in Great Britain. Tell Universal Credit about any delay before the one month is up.
Plans changed? Do not wait until you return. Report the change as soon as you know your absence will be longer than planned.
Can You Keep Universal Credit If You Move Abroad Permanently?
No. The temporary absence rules cover short trips only. They do not let you relocate overseas and keep claiming. If you are planning a permanent move, tell Universal Credit before you leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go on holiday while on Universal Credit?
Yes. You can go abroad on holiday for up to one month if you stay eligible and tell your work coach before you leave.
How long can I go on holiday on Universal Credit?
Up to one month. Exceptions exist for a bereavement abroad (one further month), medical treatment (up to six months), and some work situations.
Do I have to tell Universal Credit I’m going abroad?
Yes. GOV.UK says you must tell your work coach that you are going.
What happens if I go abroad without telling Universal Credit?
You may not be entitled to Universal Credit for the time you were away, and you may have to repay money paid for it.
How will Universal Credit know if I go abroad?
You should not rely on them not finding out. It is your responsibility to tell your work coach before you go.
Can I go abroad more than once a year on Universal Credit?
There is no set yearly limit in DWP guidance. Each trip must be reported and must stay within the time limit.
What if I need to stay abroad longer than planned?
Contact Universal Credit as soon as your plans change. Whether you can stay longer depends on the reason, such as medical treatment or a bereavement.
Can I move abroad and keep my Universal Credit?
No. You cannot get Universal Credit if you are moving abroad permanently.
Know the Rules Before You Travel
For most claimants, a holiday abroad is possible for up to one month. Report the trip, stay eligible, keep to your claimant commitment, and return within the permitted period. If your plans change, report the change instead of assuming your original arrangement still applies.