The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a warning to 1.4 million retirees, who are at risk of losing part of their state pension income.
As summer approaches, more than 1.4 million households claiming Pension Credit are being warned that overseas holidays could put their benefit payments at risk unless they adhere to specific regulations.
The means-tested support, which supplements weekly income for those of State Pension age with limited finances, comes with strict conditions regarding foreign travel.
Many recipients planning trips abroad may be unaware that failing to follow the correct procedures before departure could result in their payments being affected.
1.4 million pensioners have been issued a warning from the DWP
|GETTY
Claimants must notify authorities in advance of any travel plans to ensure their entitlement remains intact during their time away from the UK.
Recipients who meet eligibility requirements both before and during their absence can continue receiving payments for a maximum of four weeks while overseas, provided they contact the Pension Service helpline prior to their departure.
Those dealing with the death of a close family member, or who experience such a bereavement while already travelling and cannot reasonably return, may receive an extra four weeks of payments.
For medical reasons, the benefit can extend up to 26 weeks. This applies to claimants undergoing treatment abroad, those on medically approved recovery periods, or individuals accompanying a partner or child receiving such care.
State Pension payments are typically issued on a four-weekly cycle | GETTYLATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Older Britons now need to apply for Pension Credit but the process has been referred to as "complicated" | GETTY It is important to note that the benefit cannot be claimed by anyone already outside Great Britain, and payments cease entirely for those who relocate abroad on a permanent basis.
The Government department has stressed that pensioners must inform them of any alterations to their personal or financial situations without delay.
In a statement, the DWP said: The DWP stated: "You need to report changes to you and your partner's personal and financial circumstances.
"Your claim might be stopped or reduced if you do not report a change straight away. Some changes will increase the amount of Pension Credit you could get."
Those who have not yet reached state pension age should begin by reviewing their forecast | GETTY Those who supply incorrect information or neglect to disclose changes could face court proceedings or financial penalties.
Here is a list of personal circumstance changes that need to be reported to the DWP:
- moving to a new address
- starting or stopping living with a partner
- the death of a partner who is named on your claim
- starting or stopping work
- going into hospital or a care home
- people moving in or out of your house
- changing your name
- switching your bank account
- changes to your Post Office card account
- leaving England, Scotland and Wales for any period (for example, going on holiday)
- you start or stop looking after a child or young person under the age of 20
- changes to your immigration status, if you’re not a British citizen