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Going abroad to visit sick family members whilst on UC

I’m asking this question for my parents. 

They both have family living abroad and at present, one of my mum’s brothers and one of my dad’s brothers are currently very sick.  

Both my parents planned on staying with their respective families for at least a month. 

What is the likelihood that they’ll still be paid their UC, considering that the purpose is not a holiday? Also, what’s the process of letting the job centre know? Via journal or phone call? 

Info that may be relevant:
My dad currently works but is on a zero hours contract and my parents have a joint UC claim. 

TIA

Comments

  • calcotti
    calcotti Posts: 15,696 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    If they are out of the country for a month they will not be entitled to UC.
    If they are out of the country for less than a month they can continue to get UC but still have to meet the conditions laid out in their Claimant Commitments whatever those may be (evidence of job search etc.) unless the Work Coach agrees to a temporary relaxation.
    They can let JobCentre know through journal.
    Information I post is for England unless otherwise stated. Some rules may be different in other parts of UK.
  • NedS
    NedS Posts: 5,324 Ambassador
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    As @calcotti says, they must notify on their journal the date they plan to leave the UK and the date they plan to return. If they are out of the country for more than 1 month then their UC claim will close as they are not entitled to claim. They can of course make a new claim when they return.
    I am a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the Benefits & tax credits, Heat pumps and Green & Ethical MoneySaving forums. If you need any help on those boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any post you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com. All views are my own & not the official line of Money Saving Expert.
  • Princess_x
    Princess_x Posts: 2,458 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    calcotti said:
    If they are out of the country for a month they will not be entitled to UC.
    If they are out of the country for less than a month they can continue to get UC but still have to meet the conditions laid out in their Claimant Commitments whatever those may be (evidence of job search etc.) unless the Work Coach agrees to a temporary relaxation.
    They can let JobCentre know through journal.
    NedS said:
    As @calcotti says, they must notify on their journal the date they plan to leave the UK and the date they plan to return. If they are out of the country for more than 1 month then their UC claim will close as they are not entitled to claim. They can of course make a new claim when they return.
    Thank you! I let them know and they said that as soon as things are more finalised, they will let the job centre know. 
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