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PIP claimants going abroad this year warned rules could stop payments

The DWP payment can stop for some people if they go abroad and dont abide by the rules

[Disabled person on holiday]

PIP claimants may need to contact the DWP before heading on their summer holidays(Image: GETTY)

As summer holidays start taking off, PIP claimants are being reminded to inform the Department for Work and Pensions if their holiday meets certain criteria as they could risk their payments being stopped while they are abroad.

There are several changes in circumstances people receiving Personal Independence Payments (PIP) must tell the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about or risk losing their benefit entitlement and having regular payments paused or stopped. This includes leaving the country or planning to leave the country for a period of more than four weeks - even just for a holiday - may affect entitlement.

According to the Daily Record, guidance on the Gov.uk website explains: This change may affect the claimant's entitlement to PIP. We will need to know the date the claimant is leaving the country, how long they are planning to be out of the country, which country they are going to and why they are going abroad."

[Disabled person on holiday]

People heading abroad for medical treatment have different rules to follow(Image: GETTY)

People planning to leave the country for more than four weeks are advised: "This change may affect the claimant's entitlement to PIP. We will need to know the date the claimant is leaving the country, how long they are planning to be out of the country, which country they are going to and why they are going abroad."

PIP claimants must inform the DWP if they plan to travel abroad for more than four weeks at a time. You can normally continue to claim PIP if youre abroad for up to 13 weeks, this can be extended to 26 weeks if you are travelling for medical treatment.

If youre out of the country for less than four weeks, you generally wont need to tell the DWP. Short and temporary travel like this isnt counted as a change of circumstances and usually wont affect your eligibility for PIP.

If you move abroad permanently, you cannot claim the PIP mobility component but you may be able to claim the daily living element if you meet certain criteria.

[DWP sign]

There's a number of life events and changes that claimants need to report to the DWP(Image: GETTY)

This includes if you or a family member:

• work in the UK or pay National Insurance in the UK because of work
• have paid enough National Insurance to qualify for contribution-based benefits
• are getting State Pension, Industrial Injuries Benefit, contribution-based ESA or bereavement benefits
• are covered by the Withdrawal Agreement

To report a holiday of more than four weeks youll need to contact the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433. Lines are open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

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