Changes you must report to DWP or risk payments being stopped

Changes in circumstances which must be reported to the DWP or it could impact your Universal Credit entitlement or payments and in some cases, even lead to Universal Credit penalties or a court appearance

The most recent data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveals that by the end of February, approximately 8.3 million people both in and out of employment across Scotland, England and Wales were receiving financial assistance through Universal Credit.

The means-tested benefit is typically paid on a monthly basis, though fortnightly payments are available to some claimants living in Scotland. Despite this, a significant number of Universal Credit recipients may be unaware of certain changes in their circumstances that must be declared to the DWP, as failure to do so could affect their entitlement or payments and, in some instances, result in 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.”

Change of circumstances you need to report to DWP

DWP guidance on GOV.UK states you need to report changes in your circumstances so that you keep getting the right amount each month, reports the Daily Record. 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”.

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:

• Finding a job
• Finishing a job
• Having a child
• Moving in with your partner
• Starting to care for a child
• Starting to care for a disabled person
• Your child stopping or restarting education or training, if they’re aged 16 to 19
• Changing your mobile number
• Changing your email address
• Moving to a new address
• Going outside Great Britain for any length of time, if you live there
• Going outside Northern Ireland for any length of time, if you live there
• Changing your bank details
• Your rent going up or down
• Changes to your health condition
• Becoming too ill to work or meet your work coach
• Changes to your earnings (only if you’re self-employed)
• Changes to your savings, investments and how much money you have
• Changes to your immigration status, if you’re not a British citizen

How to report a change

The DWP advises claimants to report any change in circumstances by logging into their Universal Credit online account.

If you get a job or increase the hours you work

Use a benefits calculator or speak with your work coach to find out how securing employment or a rise in your earnings could affect your Universal Credit claim.

In most cases, your employer will report your earnings on your behalf. You will generally only need to report monthly earnings if you are self-employed.

If you have been paid too much by DWP

You may be required to repay the money if you:

• Did not report a change straight away
• Gave wrong information
• Were overpaid by mistake

Comprehensive details regarding benefit overpayments are available on GOV.UK here.