Can You Volunteer Abroad on Universal Credit?

Simbad

I've applied for a volunteer position in Spain at the end August and it looks like I've got it. I won't be getting paid at all, travel, accommodation and meals are all provided. It's for 4 days, Thursday to Monday.

I'm now really nervous that this will effect my UC. I know volunteering is allowed, but I've searched online and can't find any information about if volunteering in another country would effect your benefits.

Does anyone know anything about this or know where that info might be?

huckster

4 days out of the UK won't affect your claim, unless you miss a mandatory appointment with the Job Centre. But of course you would ask UC to change any appointment, so you did not miss one.

In regard to any work search, you can record this volunteering as an activity and provide details about it when asked by the Job Centre Work Coach. Also add it to your CV.

Simbad

Thank you.

pmlindyloo

I have found this link about volunteering and Universal Credit. Unfortunately it doesn't cover volunteering abroad but still worth a read for how volunteering affects you job search.

https://www.newcastle.gov.uk/sites/default/files/wwwfileroot/benefits-and-council-tax/welfare-rights-and-money-advice/universal_credit_and_volunteering_-_april_2016.pdf

Since the link is a couple of years out of date then I would like to suggest that you write in your journal about this offer. Then they can tell you exactly what needs to be done.

pmlindyloo

A more recent link:

http://data.parliament.uk/DepositedPapers/Files/DEP2017-0556/122_Voluntary_Work_v4.0.pdf