The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an important reminder for older people receiving Pension Credit who are planning to travel abroad. While going on holiday is not a problem, staying outside the UK for too long could mean you lose your Pension Credit payments. This reminder comes as many pensioners plan overseas travel during the warmer months.
What Is the Issue?
The DWP says that people who receive Pension Credit must live in England, Scotland, or Wales. If they leave the country and stay away too long, their payments could stop.
Many older people don’t know that there is a strict limit on how long you can stay abroad while still receiving this benefit. If you travel and do not return within the allowed time, your claim could be affected, and you may even be asked to repay the money.
According to the official GOV.UK Pension Credit page, “You must tell the DWP if you’re going abroad. Failure to do so may result in a suspension or cancellation of your benefits.”
What Is Pension Credit?
Pension Credit is a government benefit that helps people over State Pension age who have a low income. It has two parts:
- Guarantee Credit – This tops up your income if it falls below a certain amount. For 2024/25, the threshold is £218.15 a week for single people and £332.95 for couples.
- Savings Credit – This is extra money for people who saved some money for retirement, such as through a pension or other investments. But this part is only for those who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016.
Pension Credit can also open the door to other financial help, such as:
- Free NHS dental treatment
- Housing Benefit
- Cold Weather Payments
- Council Tax reductions
- Free TV licence if you are over 75
Still, the rules to claim and continue receiving Pension Credit are strict, and overseas travel is one of the conditions that can impact your eligibility.
How Long Can You Travel?
If you receive Pension Credit and plan to go abroad, the following travel rules apply:
- You can go abroad for up to 4 weeks (including travel days) without losing your Pension Credit.
- If your trip is for medical treatment, this period can extend to 8 weeks, but you must inform the DWP and provide proof such as a doctor’s letter.
- If you stay away beyond the allowed time, your payments can be stopped and you may need to repay any overpaid amount.
This four-week limit may surprise many people, especially those who plan long trips to visit family abroad.
Real-Life Example
Consider a 74-year-old pensioner from Leeds who went on a 6-week holiday to Australia to visit her grandchildren. She didn’t inform the DWP, thinking the trip was too short to matter. When she returned, she found that her Pension Credit payments had been paused.
The DWP noticed a lack of account activity and flagged her for an automatic eligibility review. Eventually, her benefit was reinstated, but only after she was asked to repay £580 due to being away beyond the allowed limit without informing the department.
What You Should Do Before Travelling
If you are a Pension Credit claimant, here are some simple steps you should take before going on holiday:
- Inform the DWP of your travel plans, including dates of departure and return.
- If you are travelling for medical treatment, keep all medical documents ready.
- Track your travel dates carefully. The 4-week limit includes both the day you leave and the day you return.
- Keep copies of your flight tickets, return journey, and any other travel documents.
- Use the official GOV.UK change in circumstances page to update the DWP.
Not reporting your travel can lead to delayed payments, account reviews, or loss of additional benefits linked to Pension Credit.
Long-Term Travel and Moving Abroad
Pension Credit is designed for people who live permanently in the UK. If you plan to stay abroad for more than 4 weeks or are thinking about moving overseas permanently, you are likely to lose your eligibility.
The DWP uses various systems to track overseas activity, including information from HMRC, border checks, and even your UK bank account usage. If you are away for too long and don’t report it, your case may be reviewed, and an overpayment could be raised against you.
It’s also important to remember that you may lose other linked benefits if your Pension Credit is paused or stopped. This could include Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, or help with heating costs.
Additional Benefits That Could Be Affected
If your Pension Credit payments are stopped, you may also lose access to other support programs:
- Winter Fuel Payment
- Warm Home Discount
- Free NHS prescriptions
- Free dental care and eye tests
This could create financial problems, especially for older people living on limited income.
DWP’s Official Statement
A spokesperson from the DWP said, “We encourage all Pension Credit recipients to notify us before travelling abroad. This helps avoid problems and ensures benefits are correctly paid.”
The government has been trying to raise awareness about Pension Credit for a while now. Many eligible pensioners are still not claiming it. According to estimates, around 850,000 eligible pensioners are missing out, which adds up to £1.7 billion in unclaimed support.
The DWP continues to run outreach programs and campaigns to help elderly people understand the benefits they are entitled to and the rules they must follow to keep them.
How to Check If You’re Eligible
If you haven’t applied for Pension Credit or are unsure whether you qualify, you can:
- Use the official Pension Credit calculator to check your eligibility.
- Call the Pension Credit claim line at 0800 99 1234
- Visit your local Citizens Advice centre for support
Why This Reminder Matters
Travel is important for mental health and reconnecting with loved ones. But when benefits like Pension Credit are involved, even a small mistake or oversight can lead to serious consequences.
Older people, especially those who are not internet-savvy, may not be aware of these travel-related restrictions. This is why the DWP’s reminder is important, particularly ahead of summer and holiday seasons when more people travel.
Knowing the rules, informing the DWP, and planning ahead can save pensioners from stress and loss of income.
Conclusion
The DWP’s latest warning about Pension Credit and travel should not be ignored. If you or your family members receive this benefit and are planning to leave the UK for a holiday, make sure to follow the rules.
Notify the DWP before you go, keep your trip within the allowed time frame, and always maintain clear records. A simple phone call or online update can save you from financial trouble later.