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Temporary absence from the UK: PIP can usually continue for up to 13 weeks, or up to 26 weeks if you are abroad specifically for medical treatment. You must notify the DWP if you plan to be abroad for more than four weeks.
- Permanent move to an EEA country or Switzerland (including Spain): You may be able to claim or continue receiving the daily living component of PIP if you fall within the relevant UK-EU social security arrangements (for example, if you are covered by the Withdrawal Agreement). The mobility component is not exportable.
- Living outside the EEA or Switzerland: In most cases, PIP cannot continue indefinitely unless a specific international agreement applies.
A point that is often misunderstood is that you do not necessarily have to have been receiving PIP before leaving the UK. In some circumstances, a person who already lives in an EEA country or Switzerland can make a claim from abroad if they:
- are habitually resident in that country;
- have a genuine link with the UK (for example, previous residence or work); and
- are covered by the relevant Withdrawal Agreement provisions.
If you are asking in relation to British expatriates in Spain, this is a particularly important area. Some expatriates are entitled to the daily living component from Spain, while others are not, depending on their immigration and social security status after Brexit.