The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is under pressure to review Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims from over 2,000 individuals residing outside the UK. Despite living in European countries, these claimants continue to receive PIP, a disability benefit funded by UK taxpayers.
Known colloquially as the ‘Costa Del Dole’ rule, it enables British citizens who have relocated to continental Europe to access PIP while enjoying life in foreign villas. Current figures reveal 2,244 people are claiming PIP while living in the European Union. Among them, 414 claimants receive payments for psychiatric disorders, 1,001 for musculoskeletal conditions, 60 for respiratory ailments, and 79 for hearing and visual impairments.
Sir Iain Duncan Smith, former leader of the Conservative Party, told The Sun: “These claims need to be reviewed, and the Government must consider reforming the system.”
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Benefits rules vary depending on the type and location. Some benefits, including Attendance Allowance, PIP, and Disability Living Allowance (DLA), can be claimed abroad only if the claimant is visiting temporarily. Pension Credit can also be maintained for up to four weeks abroad if the trip was not planned to exceed that period.
Independent Age outlines the process: “If you’re going abroad temporarily for four weeks or more, you must inform the relevant benefits office beforehand. You can continue to claim benefits for up to 13 weeks if your stay extends unexpectedly, or up to 26 weeks if abroad for medical treatment. However, permanent moves to EEA countries or Switzerland have different criteria, including sufficient National Insurance contributions.”
Sir Iain Duncan Smith added: “Choosing to live and work abroad while receiving PIP, which is unrelated to employment, can mean claimants earn a significant income alongside the benefit. This issue has grown since the pandemic.”
In response, a DWP spokesperson stated: “Only a very small number of PIP claimants currently live abroad. We are reforming the system to create a welfare state that works for both disabled people and taxpayers. To ensure fairness and sustainability, we have launched the Timms Review to evaluate PIP for the future.”