I'm excited about going on holiday abroad on my own but worried about my disability benefits and if that I'm a fraudster?

[parasiticworm]

And if I can get into trouble with the DWP? I have a mild LD and severe psychotic disorder and under the learning disability team, (I've been sectioned 15 times in ATU's in 13 years) I see my LD community nurse twice a month and he also gives me my antipsychotic injection every month which I'm court ordered to take as I'm on a community treatment order.. I also have a deputyship with social services who looks after my money (and this enables me to go on holiday) Also live in supported living group home and get 21 hours one-to one a week support plus access to 55 shared hours between 4 other people. Also attend a NHS day centre 4 days a week for people with learning disabilities.

Because of the community treatment order I'm on I don't have to contribute anything towards my care so I save quite a lot of money a month out my benefits. Because of my past psychosis and self harm thinking about microchips and cutting them out I'm on maximum benefits and have never had a problem obtaining them, always paper based and long term awards.

I want to travel abroad 4 times next year on my own., I've been with my staff twice before to Turkey but it's too expensive. I have shown my care team I am able to travel. Will this affect my benefits going away?

My care tream says it won't and they encourage me travelling. I'm just worried if I'd get into trouble with the DWP. Will I?

[Maurice_Mencap Partner]

Hi there, I'm no benefits expert, but I believe that going on holiday so long as you follow the rules should be OK. For example, if you're on Universal Credit you need to let them know if you're going to be out of the country for more than 4 weeks.

It would be a good idea to talk to someone at the DWP to let them know about your plans, just so they are informed and you can ask any questions about the rules around the benefits you get.

You can also give our Learning Disability Helpline a call on 0808 808 1111 to speak to our trained advisers who should be able to give you some information on this too. Hope that helps. 🙂

[Scrutineer in reply to Maurice_Mencap]

Are there any moderators on this site?

[Maurice_Mencap Partner in reply to Scrutineer]

Hi Scrutineer , yes there are - you can see a list using the link on the right of the page. Myself included! Was there something I can help with? 🙂

[deborahcoxsuckle]

Because you get good support I think you will be okay with going on holiday. My younger son is similar to you and he unfortunately hasn't been offered the support like you have. You are very fortunate.