Millions of benefit claimants have been warned to follow the travel rules about heading abroad over the summer. As we approach the holiday season, thousands of Brits jetting off on getaways to Spain, Greece, Turkey, and other popular destinations.
Some claimants might be thinking of putting their cost of living payments towards a budget holiday - but they should let the Department for Work and Pensions know they are going away. Government officials say they need to be informed of any changes in circumstances and expect people to stick to the rules and conditions of their benefit claim.
In the case of Universal Credit, there are 5.8 million claimants according to the latest figures, with 2.2 million of those in employment and getting the benefit to top up their income, and the others either looking for a job or too sick to work. Anyone who is in an intensive work search group is expected to spend 35 to 37 hours a week looking for work, even if they go on holiday this summer.
