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Universal Credit and PIP 'check your bank account' expert alert over 'due payments'

You could get a letter demanding a payment if you don't take action

[A family on holiday]

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Benefit claimants should check the DWP rules if they are going away on holiday(Image: Getty)

People on DWP benefits including Universal Credit and PIP have been urged to check their bank accounts. You could get a letter "chasing money" if you don't have your finances up to date.

The team at financial support group Money Wellness have shared some important things to do before you jet off on your summer holidays. External relations manager Rebecca Lamb warned people on Universal Credit and PIP risk misunderstanding the DWP rules. She also urged claimants and anyone going away to check over their bank accounts.

The consumer expert said: "Before you travel, check you've got enough money in your account to cover any bills due while you're away, whether that's your rent or mortgage, utility bills, debt repayments or other direct debits. We've spoken to people who've come home to bank charges and letters chasing money because they forgot a payment was due while they were on the beach."

'Different rules'

Another risk is you could fall foul of the DWP rules and restrictions that apply to your benefit. Ms Lamb warns there are "different rules" that apply depending on your situation.

She urged claimants: "If you're claiming benefits, don't leave that until the last minute. Different benefits have different rules about travelling abroad, so don't assume they all work the same way.

"Spend five minutes checking before you travel is much easier than having to sort out a problem when you get home." She said one group who is at risk of misunderstanding the rules are Universal Credit claimants.

Ms Lamb explained: "Universal Credit is probably where people are most likely to get caught out because it's not just about how long you're away. It's about making sure your claim is kept up to date."

What are the Universal Credit rules about going abroad on holiday?

The rules state you can travel abroad for up to a month and still get Universal Credit. But a key stipulation is you have to tell you work coach about your trip.

[A couple on holiday]

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It's worth checking the DWP rules if you claim benefits and are going abroad on holiday(Image: Getty)

Ms Lamb explained how to do this: "If you're planning to travel abroad, report it through your Universal Credit journal before you go. Most of the time, you can still receive Universal Credit for up to one month while you're abroad if you remain eligible, but don't assume your holiday won't affect your claim or that the DWP already knows your plans.

"It's your responsibility to tell them." Another easy mistake to make is to think the DWP rules are the same across the board.

PIP rules warning

The expert said: "You also need to be careful not to assume every benefit has the same rules. They don't. If you receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance, you can usually spend up to 13 weeks abroad before your benefit is affected, with longer allowed in some circumstances, such as travelling overseas for medical treatment."

For people on disability or carers' benefits, you need to tell the office that pays your benefit if you are going abroad for more than four weeks.

You can claim any of these benefits if you are going abroad for up to 13 weeks, or up to 26 weeks if it's for medical treatment:

• Attendance Allowance
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for adults
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

The common mistake

Ms Lamb warned the unfortunate reality is people often just don't take the time to check the rules before going away. She said: "The common thread is that people often don't realise they need to check at all.

"A quick look at the rules before you travel can save a lot of worry and avoid problems with your payments when you return." She shared some more basic aspects of your finances to think about before your trip.

You can read the full guidance about receiving benefits while you are abroad on the gov.uk website.

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