Visiting another EU country - Income Support

FilthyPierre

Hi guys,

I couldn't find the answer to my question in the FAQ, unfortunately, but hopefully you can help.
I've had quite severe IBS for about 4-5 years now and have been unable to finish my education or start working because of it. I'm on Income Support which (I think) includes a small premium of Incapacity(?). I recieve £156 every 2 weeks and have been for a couple years now.
I'm planning on going to stay at my girlfriend's place in The Netherlands next week for about 8-12 weeks, but i'm not exactly sure what would happen to my claim if I did travel. I've done a bit of research and read that as long as I notify the Jobcenter about my plans things will be alright, but i'm doubtful.

I've read I might be able to keep recieving my IS for a number of weeks while i'm away (4 I think), but i've got a feeling my claim will either be stopped, and/or i'll be prosecuted for fraud
My illness has kept me in the house almost every day since it began and I have to resort to not eating for 2 days prior to going to hospital appointments, speech therapy, blah blah etc! SO.. my trip will consist of getting on a plane to Holland, getting picked up and, for the most part, staying at the missus' place and having the same illness, just in a different house. But it's my word against theirs. For all they know I could be touring the country, going rock climbing, whatever..

Is this allowed? Would the JC give me the all-clear when I notify them? Will they say "well, if you can get on a plane, you can work!"? Would I be in any trouble? I'm pulling my hair out worrying about this

Thanks,
Alex

[Deleted User]

from directgov:
Incapacity Benefit

You must tell your local Jobcentre Plus office or jobcentre if you are going abroad. If your stay abroad is temporary, you can receive Incapacity Benefit for the first 26 weeks of your stay if, on the day of departure, you have been continuously incapable of work for at least six months; or if your incapacity has lasted less than six months but your absence from Great Britain is for the specific purpose of seeking treatment for an illness or disability that began before you left.
You may be able to receive Incapacity Benefit abroad for more than 26 weeks if your stay abroad is temporary and you get Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance. For more information, contact your local Jobcentre Plus office or jobcentre.

dmg24

woodbine wrote: »

from directgov:
Incapacity Benefit

You must tell your local Jobcentre Plus office or jobcentre if you are going abroad. If your stay abroad is temporary, you can receive Incapacity Benefit for the first 26 weeks of your stay if, on the day of departure, you have been continuously incapable of work for at least six months; or if your incapacity has lasted less than six months but your absence from Great Britain is for the specific purpose of seeking treatment for an illness or disability that began before you left.
You may be able to receive Incapacity Benefit abroad for more than 26 weeks if your stay abroad is temporary and you get Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance. For more information, contact your local Jobcentre Plus office or jobcentre.

It sounds like the OP is on IS for reason of IB, so the above would not apply. I think the four week rule is correct for IS, but I am a bit fuzzy at the mo so could be wrong!

FilthyPierre

Thanks woodbine. Yeah, I read that 26 week thing. I'm pretty sure the 4 week rule applies to me, though. Just not sure if it would even be legal in my case

tcr_3

It's classed as a "temporary absence from Great Britain", tell Income Support the date you're leaving GB, they'll pay you up to that date then close your claim.

You can apply for the first 28 days of your period abroad to be paid when you return to GB and make a rapid re-claim.

They won't pay you when you're abroad.

Mr_Falling_Star

The Benefit Fraud website (which I am not suggesting you are commiting) explains it better.

http://campaigns.dwp.gov.uk/campaigns/benefit-thieves/abroad.asp

As it says you will only know by getting in touch.

I think your point about IB thinking you are fit for work is interesting. In y experience it shouldn't really be a issue though the same thought could cross a staff members mind that crossed yours eg If I can fly can I be considered capable of work? and thus you could be referred for a medical that bit sooner. I think that this is a bit unlikely though and anyway ATOS seem only to be taking ESA referrals at the moment.

Have you considered if there are any Dutch Benefits you can claim?

FilthyPierre

Mr_Falling_Star wrote: »

The Benefit Fraud website (which I am not suggesting you are commiting) explains it better.

As it says you will only know by getting in touch.

I think your point about IB thinking you are fit for work is interesting. In y experience it shouldn't really be a issue though the same thought could cross a staff members mind that crossed yours eg If I can fly can I be considered capable of work? and thus you could be referred for a medical that bit sooner. I think that this is a bit unlikely though and anyway ATOS seem only to be taking ESA referrals at the moment.

Have you considered if there are any Dutch Benefits you can claim?

Well recieving money while i'm abroad isn't super neccessary since everything i'll need to survive.. food, place to stay etc is being taken care of for me, so I don't think i'll start looking into foreign benefits.

Thanks for the input, appreciate it!

tcr wrote: »

It's classed as a "temporary absence from Great Britain", tell Income Support the date you're leaving GB, they'll pay you up to that date then close your claim.

You can apply for the first 28 days of your period abroad to be paid when you return to GB and make a rapid re-claim.

They won't pay you when you're abroad.

I see. Well i'll give them a ring tomorrow and inform them i'm leaving next week. I'll ask them about the rapid re-claim malarky, too.

Thanks

FilthyPierre

Gave em a call and was told if I stayed longer than a month i'd have to reclaim.

Does anyone know how long you have to be back in the UK before you can travel again and not have to go through the hassle of reclaiming?