Universal Credit claimants are being cautioned that not reporting any of 19 specific changes to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) could lead to fines or even a court summons. With the festive season on the horizon, it’s also crucial to be aware that Jobcentre Plus offices and DWP helpline operating times will see some adjustments.
The list of nearly two dozen reportable changes includes updates to contact details, bank accounts, home addresses, and rent fluctuations. The official advice on GOV. UK warns: “You could be taken to court or have to pay a penalty if you give wrong information or do not report a change in your circumstances.”
It further stresses the need to report any changes “as soon as they happen” to ensure the correct Universal Credit payments and to prevent having to repay any overpayments, according to the Daily Record. The DWP has highlighted that: “Changes in your circumstances can affect how much you’re paid for your whole assessment period – not just from the date you report them.”
Changes include:
- Having a child
- Changing your mobile number
- Changes to your health condition
- Starting to care for a child
- Your child stopping or restarting education or training, if they’re aged 16 to 19
- Your rent going up or down
- Starting to care for a disabled person
- Going outside Northern Ireland for any length of time, if you live there
- Changes to your earnings (only if you’re self-employed)
- Moving in with your partner
- Changing your email address
- Moving to a new address
- Changing your bank details
- Changes to your savings, investments and how much money you have
- Finishing a job
- Finding a job
- Going outside Great Britain for any length of time, if you live there
- Becoming too ill to work or meet your work coach
- Changes to your immigration status, if you’re not a British citizen
With the festive season approaching, it’s important to note that Jobcentre Plus offices and phone lines will have altered opening hours:
- Monday, December 23 – Offices are open as usual, phone lines are open until 4pm
- Tuesday, December 24 – Offices are open as usual, phone lines are open until 4pm
- Wednesday, December 25 – Offices and phone lines are closed
- Thursday, December 26 – Offices and phone lines are closed
- Friday, December 27 – Offices and phone lines are closed
- Monday, December 30 – Offices are open as usual, phone lines are open until 4pm
- Tuesday, December 31 – Offices are open as usual, phone lines are open until 4pm
- Wednesday, January 1 – Offices and phone lines are closed
- Thursday, January 2 – Offices are open as usual, phone lines are open until 4pm
- Friday, January 3 – Offices are open as usual, phone lines are open until 4pm