Benefits

Returning to the UK, benefit delays and sanctions

There may be circumstances where a person who is eligible for benefits is unable to receive payments for a short period. This may affect British and Irish citizens, as well as people who are settled in the UK, including those with indefinite leave to remain or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

Returning to the UK after living abroad

To qualify for certain benefits, including Universal Credit, a person must meet the Habitual Residence Test (HRT).

Where a person has been living outside the Common Travel Area (CTA) (UK, Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands and Isle of Man), they may not be able to satisfy the HRT immediately on return to the UK. This may result in a delay in accessing benefits, which can last for up to three months.

Where a person has been living within the CTA before returning to the UK, they will usually be treated as habitually resident on arrival.
Further information about the HRT is available from:

• Citizens Advice
• Turn2Us

Benefit delays and sanctions

Some benefits are not paid immediately after a claim is made, and payments may also be reduced or stopped in certain circumstances.

Universal Credit is usually paid around five weeks after a claim is submitted. Where a person has urgent financial needs while waiting for their first payment, they may be able to apply for an advance payment through the Department for Work and Pensions.

Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, and Jobseeker’s Allowance can be sanctioned, meaning that payments are temporarily stopped or reduced where a claimant is considered not to have met the conditions of entitlement.

Where a benefit has been sanctioned, a person may be able to:

• apply for a hardship payment from the DWP, or
• seek support through a local welfare assistance scheme

Further information on financial support available when benefit is delayed or sanctioned can be found on:

• the government webpage on Universal Credit
• MoneyHelper's guidance on benefit sanctions

Page updated: 20 May 2026