State pension- declaring holidays to DWP?

Sahara20

I have been informed that the state pension is classified as a benefit. I also understand if you are in receipt of benefits you have to declare time out of the country to DWP.

Are there tax implications or penalties and when do you declare it? I am thinking it is best to take any long holidays just before reaching reaching state pension age?

DRS1

You have to tell them if you have retired abroad but I don't think you need to mention holidays.

XzavierWalnut

I am not in receipt of state pension, but I can find nothing on this. Only if you move abroad.
Others, wiser than myself will confirm.

Nearly everyone that I meet that is retired ,seem to spend most of their lives on holiday.

Brie

I can't see anywhere on the gov.uk website where it says you have to tell DWP if you leave the country for a holiday. It does say you have to tell them if you move elsewhere but that's something permanent, not temporary like a holiday would be even if it's a long one.

Happy to be corrected on this if someone can provide some evidence.

State Pension - GOV.UK

Albermarle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6675391/state-pension-declaring-holidays-to-dwp

 have been informed that the state pension is classified as a benefit. Technically yes it is .

I also understand if you are in receipt of certain benefits you have to declare time out of the country to DWP. Yes you do for some but, not all benefits such as the state pension.

Are there tax implications or penalties and when do you declare it? Not relevant as you do not have to declare it.

I am thinking it is best to take any long holidays just before reaching reaching state pension age?

No need, just take your holidays when you want.

Sahara20

thank you. I understood you have to report holidays if you are on pension credit because it is a benefit. I asked the question as state pension has now been classified as a benefit. If no one on state pension reports holidays I assume it is ok not to report.

flaneurs_lobster

State pension was officially declared a Welfare Benefit in 1946.

You need to declare overseas stays to DWP if you are in receipt of most income-related benefits but this does not include SP.

If you are moving permanently then that does need notification.

sammyjammy

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82061442#Comment_82061442

It is and always has been a benefit, some benefits are based on National insurance contributions and some are means tested, state pension is the former. Enjoy your holidays.

The word benefit tends to have negative connotations with some, they are offended at the fact State Pension is a benefit, it doesn't make it not true.

eskbanker

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82061442#Comment_82061442

Perhaps worth citing the specific sources you're referring to?

Sahara20

More of a general enquiry going by what I had heard. The benefit label added to the uncertainty.

BikingBud

Pension Credit is not the same as State Pension - Please clarify.

If you’re away from Great Britain

You can continue to get Pension Credit if you’re away from Great Britain for 4 weeks or less - for example, on a holiday.

You must:

• be eligible for Pension Credit when you go away
• remain eligible for it while you’re away
• contact the Pension Service helpline to tell them you’re going away

You can get Pension Credit for up to 4 more weeks if:

• you’re away from Great Britain because of the death of a close relative
• a close relative dies while you’re away and you cannot reasonably return to the UK

https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/eligibility#:~:text=If%20you're%20away%20from%20Great,for%20example%2C%20on%20a%20holiday.