Universal Credit claimants must report nearly 20 changes to avoid payment stoppage
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has outlined nearly 20 changes in circumstances that Universal Credit claimants must report as soon as possible, or risk having their payments stopped, reduced, or even face a penalty fine or court appearance. According to the latest DWP figures, there are currently 8.3 million people in and out of work across Scotland, England, and Wales receiving financial support through Universal Credit.
The means-tested benefit is usually paid monthly, but can be issued fortnightly for some people living in Scotland. However, many claimants may not be aware that failing to report certain changes can impact their entitlement or payments, and in some cases, lead to serious consequences.
DWP warns of penalties for not reporting changes
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.” The guidance emphasizes that changes must be reported “as soon as they happen” because any delay “may mean you receive too much money and will have to make a repayment.” Additionally, the DWP notes 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.”
Complete list of changes to report
Claimants must report the following changes:
- 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
DWP advises claimants can report a change of circumstances by signing in to their online Universal Credit 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 this might affect your Universal Credit claim. Most employers will report your earnings for you; you will normally only need to report monthly earnings if you are self-employed.
What happens if you’ve been paid too much
You may have to repay the money if you did not report a change straight away, gave wrong information, or were overpaid by mistake. Full details about benefit overpayments can be found on GOV.UK.
