Going Abroad on Carer’s Allowance: Thinking about going abroad on Carer’s Allowance for a much-needed break or traveling for medical reasons? That’s totally understandable—and well deserved. But before you book that flight or pack your bags, it’s critical to know the rules set by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). One misstep could lead to losing your benefit, getting an overpayment demand, or even facing an investigation. In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what the DWP expects when it comes to Carer’s Allowance and traveling abroad. Whether you’re taking a quick holiday, traveling with the person you care for, or going overseas for medical treatment, this article will make sure you’re 100% prepared.
Going Abroad on Carer’s Allowance
Going abroad on Carer’s Allowance doesn’t have to be stressful. The DWP allows short-term breaks and even longer trips if you’re traveling with the person you care for—especially for medical treatment. But rules are rules: you must plan ahead, report your travel, and stick to time limits. With proper planning, you can enjoy your trip and keep your support intact. Because let’s face it—you’ve earned the rest.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum time abroad (without cared-for person) | 4 weeks in any 26-week period |
| Maximum time abroad (with cared-for person) | 13 weeks, or 26 weeks for medical treatment |
| Need to notify DWP? | Yes – Always notify before travel |
| Carer’s Allowance eligibility | Care 35+ hours/week for someone on a qualifying disability benefit |
| Consequences of not reporting | Overpayment recovery, suspension of benefits, possible fraud action |
| Official website | Gov.uk Carer’s Allowance |
What is Carer’s Allowance?
Carer’s Allowance is a benefit for individuals in the UK who provide at least 35 hours of care per week to someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit, such as:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – Daily Living component
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – Middle or Higher Care Rate
- Attendance Allowance
As of 2025, Carer’s Allowance pays £81.90 per week. To qualify, you must:
- Be aged 16 or over
- Not be earning more than £151 per week (after deductions)
- Not be in full-time education
- Be residing in the UK (though temporary exceptions exist for travel)
When Can You Go Going Abroad on Carer’s Allowance?
Let’s break it down into two main categories:
Traveling Without the Person You Care For
If you travel alone, meaning the person you care for stays behind, you can be away from the UK for up to 4 weeks in any 26-week period.
These 4 weeks don’t have to be in a row—they can be spread out, but once you hit that limit, your Carer’s Allowance could stop.
Example:
If you go to Portugal for 1 week in February and then visit relatives in Canada for 3 weeks in June, you’ve hit your 4-week limit. Any further trips before your 26-week window resets could pause your payments.
Also, any breaks in care, such as being hospitalized, also count toward the 4-week limit.
Traveling With the Person You Care For
If you’re still providing care while abroad, and the person you care for travels with you, Carer’s Allowance can usually continue for:
- Up to 13 weeks (standard caring while traveling)
- Up to 26 weeks if you’re going abroad specifically for medical treatment
In these cases, the DWP needs proof that care is still being provided and the nature of the trip.
How to Report Travel to the DWP?
You must inform the DWP before you travel—even if your trip is just for a few days. Failing to do so could result in:
- Suspension of your Carer’s Allowance
- An overpayment that you’ll need to repay
- A possible investigation into benefit fraud
To notify the DWP:
- Online: Report a change
- Phone: Call 0800 731 0297 (Carer’s Allowance Unit)
- Post:
Carer’s Allowance Unit
Mail Handling Site A
Wolverhampton
WV98 2AB
When notifying, include:
- Date of departure and return
- Whether the cared-for person is traveling with you
- The reason for the trip
- Confirmation that care will continue (if applicable)
Common Mistakes Carers Make
- Assuming short trips don’t count: Even a 2-day trip needs to be reported.
- Forgetting travel days: The DWP counts both the day you leave and the day you return.
- Not checking previous absences: Trips within the past 26 weeks count toward your total.
- Assuming someone else covering care is enough: Your benefit depends on you doing the care.
- Ignoring Universal Credit overlap: Carer’s Allowance can affect your Universal Credit claim—especially when traveling.
What Happens If You Go Over the Limit?
If you exceed the allowable time abroad, the DWP will typically:
- Stop your Carer’s Allowance from the day you became ineligible
- Send a letter asking for repayment if they continued paying in error
- Possibly investigate you for benefit fraud if it appears you knowingly didn’t report your absence
In 2024, over 12,000 cases of Carer’s Allowance overpayment were flagged by the DWP due to unreported changes in care responsibilities—many involving travel abroad.
How Other Benefits Are Affected by Travel?
Universal Credit
- Normally allows up to 1 month abroad.
- You may need to show that you’re still meeting work-related commitments.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Can continue during short trips.
- Notify DWP if you’re abroad for more than 13 weeks (or 26 weeks for medical reasons).
If your cared-for person loses their qualifying benefit, your Carer’s Allowance will stop automatically. That’s why it’s essential to notify any changes in either of your circumstances.
Planning a Trip? Here’s What to Do
Step 1: Check the last 26 weeks
Review if you’ve taken any other breaks from care. The DWP looks at the full 6-month window, not just the current trip.
Step 2: Know who’s traveling
Clarify if you’re going alone or with the person you care for. This affects the time limits.
Step 3: Know the trip’s purpose
Is it for fun, family, or a medical need? This determines whether you qualify for extended limits.
Step 4: Report early
Tell the DWP before your trip—not after. Use the official channels listed above.
Step 5: Get documentation
If traveling for medical reasons, request letters from doctors or consultants. If you’re continuing to provide care abroad, prepare a brief care plan or statement.
Step 6: Keep records
Keep all travel documents, DWP correspondence, and care logs during your trip in case you’re asked to verify.
Real-Life Case Studies
Case Study: Liam from Leeds
Liam cares for his adult brother who has autism. They traveled to the Netherlands for a 10-week medical program. Liam contacted the DWP in advance, provided medical documents, and was able to continue receiving Carer’s Allowance during the trip.
Case Study: Karen from Glasgow
Karen took a spontaneous 6-week trip to Australia without notifying the DWP. She thought a friend stepping in for care was sufficient. Upon her return, the DWP demanded £491 in overpayments. She also lost Carer’s Allowance for two months.
Cultural Insight: Why Carers Often Avoid Holidays
A 2024 survey by Carers UK revealed that 59% of unpaid carers haven’t taken a holiday in over 3 years. Many feel guilty leaving the person they care for, while others fear losing essential income like Carer’s Allowance.
Mental health experts warn that this trend contributes to carer burnout, fatigue, and depression. The DWP’s rules are meant to protect public funds—but they do allow for short breaks and care abroad.
You’re not being selfish by needing rest. You’re human.
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