Universal Credit claimants are being told to make DWP officials aware of key changes. The message comes as new data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveals that 7.2 million people across England, Scotland, and Wales were receiving financial aid through Universal Credit in October.
Many Universal Credit recipients may not be aware of certain changes in circumstances which must be reported to the DWP. If not acted on, they could affect their entitlement or payments – and in some cases lead to a penalty fine or even a court appearance.
There are nearly 20 changes that need to be reported, including getting a new mobile number or email address, switching to a different bank account, moving address and your rent going up or down. DWP guidance 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.”
Circumstance changes that must be reported to the DWP
DWP guidance states you need to report changes in your circumstances so that you keep getting the right amount each month. It adds you need to report changes “as soon as they happen” because any delay “may mean you receive too much money and will have to make a repayment”, reports the Daily Record.
DWP warns: “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 can include:
- Starting to care for a child
- Changes to your savings, investments and how much money you have
- Having a child
- Starting to care for a disabled person
- Going outside Northern Ireland for any length of time, if you live there
- Moving to a new address
- Going outside Great Britain for any length of time, if you live there
- Your rent going up or down
- Finding a job
- Becoming too ill to work or meet your work coach
- Changing your bank details
- Changing your email address
- Your child stopping or restarting education or training, if they’re aged 16 to 19
- Finishing a job
- Changes to your immigration status, if you’re not a British citizen
- Changes to your earnings (only if you’re self-employed)
- Changes to your health condition
- Moving in with your partner
- Changing your mobile number
How to report a change
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) suggests that claimants can report a change in circumstances by logging into their online Universal Credit account.
If you find employment or increase your working hours
It’s recommended to use a benefits calculator or consult with your work coach to understand how this might impact your Universal Credit claim.
Most employers will report your earnings on your behalf, but if you’re self-employed, you’ll typically need to report your monthly earnings.
If there is a DWP overpayment
You may need to repay money to the DWP if you:
- did not report a change straight away
- gave wrong information
- were overpaid by mistake
Comprehensive information about benefit overpayments can be found on the GOV. UK website.