More than 8.4 million Universal Credit claimants must report nearly 20 changes of circumstances to the DWP
Recent data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveals that by December’s end, approximately 8.4 million people throughout England, Scotland and Wales were claiming financial assistance via Universal Credit, whether employed or unemployed.
Yet many recipients might be unaware that certain changes in circumstances require notification to the DWP, as failure to do so could affect their eligibility or payment amounts and, in certain instances, result in penalty charges or court proceedings.
Almost 20 different changes require reporting, including acquiring a new mobile telephone number or email address, transferring to another bank account, relocating home, and fluctuations in rental costs.
According to the Daily Record, 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 circumstance you need to report to DWP
DWP guidance on GOV.UK advises that you must report any changes in your circumstances promptly to ensure you receive the correct monthly amount. It emphasises reporting changes ‘as soon as they happen’ because delays ‘may result in receiving too much money and the need to repay it’.
DWP adds: “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
Reporting a change
DWP states that claimants can notify a change of circumstances by logging into their online Universal Credit account.
If you get a job or increase the hours you work
Use a benefits calculator or consult your work coach to understand how gaining employment or a higher income could impact your Universal Credit claim.
Most employers will handle reporting your earnings. You typically only need to report your monthly income if you’re self-employed.
If you have been paid too much by DWP
You may have to repay the money if you:
- did not report a change straight away
- gave wrong information
- were overpaid by mistake
Additional details about benefit overpayments can be found on GOV.UK here.
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