Claiming benefits if you live, move or travel abroad

Skip to contents of guide

Universal Credit

If you go abroad, you can continue to get Universal Credit for one month.

You must:

  • be eligible for Universal Credit when you’re going abroad
  • remain eligible for it while you’re abroad
  • tell your work coach that you’re going

If a close relative dies while you’re abroad and it would not be reasonable for you to come back to the UK, you can get Universal Credit for one more month.

You cannot get Universal Credit if you’re moving abroad permanently.

You cannot apply for Universal Credit if you’re already abroad.

Going abroad for medical treatment

You can continue to get Universal Credit for up to 6 months if:

  • you go abroad for medical treatment
  • you go abroad for a period of recovery that’s been approved by a medical professional (also known as ‘approved convalescence’)
  • your partner or child is going abroad for medical treatment or ‘approved convalescence’ and you’re going with them

If you’re a civil servant, diplomat or member of the armed forces

There are different rules for claiming Universal Credit while abroad if you’re a civil servant, diplomat or a member of the armed forces.

You may be able to make a claim or keep getting Universal Credit while you’re abroad if:

  • you’re abroad due to work duties, for example posted abroad in the armed forces
  • the UK was your main home immediately before you were sent abroad (you were ‘habitually resident’ in the UK)

You need to tell your work coach before you go abroad. They’ll tell you which things from your ‘claimant commitment’ you need to keep doing while you’re abroad.

If you’re a mariner or continental shelf worker

If you’re entitled to Universal Credit when you go abroad, you can continue to get it for up to 6 months.

View a printable version of the whole guide

Related content