PIP is going to a tribunal over residency, can I travel in the mean time?

Jane876575

So its taking such a long time that I can now go on holiday again (im allowed 3 weeks per year)

I was allowed 3 weeks in 2025 but I didnt take it because of fear, and mental health, in 2026 if Im ready for it Ill go somewhere safe, unless that will affect residency again?

Will it affect PIP and residency or not? I was out of the country for 4 years while claiming benefit money which is why its at a tribunal

I probably wont because my mental health is too severe, and it brings back trauma, but Id like to know theoretically if im allowed because I want to be able to live too that is my dream

thanks

Jane876575

Am I even allowed to take my normal allotted time after such along time out the country ?

born_again

Given the tribunal & mention of "residency" where are you living? & why has this tribunal happened?

Jane876575

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81861803#Comment_81861803

Ive always lived in the UK born here, here now also, but stayed out of the country too long, PIP took issue with it even though it wasnt my fault.

sammyjammy

If you explain a bit more then people might be able to help, drip feeding minimal detail doesn't help.

Grumpy_chap

"

I was out of the country for 4 years while claiming benefit money

"

AND

"

Ive always lived in the UK 

"

would appear to be inconsistent with each other.

Where were you living during the 4 years out of the country?

Muttleythefrog

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81861825#Comment_81861825

This is all confusing for facts. If you were out of the country for 4 years how were you always living in the UK and why are you surprised there is an issue claiming benefits which typically have significant restrictions on time you can be away for. Were you in a territory considered domestic as far as benefit rules go or why do you think you can win the appeal? You say it was not your fault you were out of the country for 4 years so obviously there must be something we are not aware of here… like you were jailed or too ill to travel etc. This is important as it seems you're about to repeat the same activity and cannot understand why they are concerned you are not habitually resident here.

Where do you plan to go this time?

Are you claiming anything other than PIP?

Remember best advice is given with all relevant information. Many people get great advice on MSE benefits board.. and some people get great advice that is wrong on the board because they gave incorrect or misleading information.

Grumpy_chap

"

Were you in a territory considered domestic as far as benefit rules go or why do you think you can win the appeal? 

"

A posting with the military or foreign office / diplomatic service might also allow an individual to be out of the country for an extended period without impacting eligibility to benefits?

Jane876575

So ive lived in the UK my whole life bar those 4 years

Jane876575

I dont want to go into the ordeal but I was the victim of crime (why I was gone for 4 years)

NoaandIndie

How recent were these four years outside the UK - how long have you been back residing in the UK (uninterrupted)?

You would have to be in the UK for 2 out of the last 3 years in order to to be eligible to claim PIP.

Do you have a date for your tribunal?