Claiming benefits if you live, move or travel abroad

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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  
  • for a period of recovery after treatment in England, Scotland or Wales (known as ‘approved convalescence’)  
  • to care for your partner or child who is getting medical treatment or going for a period of recovery

Any medical treatment must be carried out by a qualified medical professional. 

You can stay in the country the medical treatment took place to recover or care for your partner or child.

If you are going abroad specifically for a period of recovery, this must have been approved by a medical professional in the UK.

As soon as you know you’re going abroad, you must contact Universal Credit.

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)

If you’re a member of the armed forces, you’ll need to use a specific address when you claim.

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

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