Absence from Europe on ESA

I have the opportunity to visit my brother who lives in India. I have read the rules and, if I am interpreting them correctly, must inform the DWP of my intention to leave the country. Would I be only allowed to go for four weeks or would seven weeks be allowed?

I don't mind the ESA stopping for whilst I am out of the country but would certainly not want to go through reapplying for it.

Hey SJ

I had this dilemma when I went to Australia to see my brother for a month. I looked into it and apparently (though I am not 100% sure) you only have to inform them if you are going away for more than 3 months. HTH

Andy

Hi,

See this link on the DirectGov website : What happens to your benefits while you are on holiday?

The link is out of date, but to the best of my knowledge the rules are pretty much the same for ESA, as they are for Incapacity Benefit (IB).

My advice would be to check with the JobCentre Plus that pays your ESA, as it's almost impossible to keep up with the changing legislation.

Good luck.

Jim