§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to alter the rule whereby people who stay abroad for longer than four weeks have their pension credit payments stopped; and if he will make a statement. [187546]
§ Malcolm WicksPension Credit is for people who live in Great Britain. If someone expects to be absent abroad for less than 52 weeks it can continue to be paid normally for no more than four weeks; or for up to eight weeks for someone accompanying a young person who lives with them and who is receiving medical treatment abroad. It can continue to be paid for people who have gone abroad for medical treatment under the NHS for themselves for as long as they receive treatment.
Officials are currently researching a range of options for potentially extending the period for which Pension Credit can continue to be paid for customers who go abroad for less than 52 weeks.