The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a warning to benefit claimants whose children are heading to university this year. People on benefits, including Universal Credit, must inform the DWP if their children are going to university. Failing to follow this rule could result in a fine, as a child starting university counts as a change in circumstances that must be reported.
DWP message on social media
Sharing the reminder on social media, the DWP wrote: "If you claim benefits and your circumstances change, like the children heading off to uni, remember to tell us to avoid a penalty." The post includes a graphic headed "mum's uni checklist" with the line "update my UC claim".
For those receiving Universal Credit, an extra amount is available to support children who normally live with them, but this stops when the child goes to university. Claimants must tell the Government that their child has left full-time, non-advanced education and is starting university.
Why reporting changes matters
The DWP states: "You need to report changes to your circumstances so you keep getting the right amount each month. You need to report changes as soon as they happen. Any delay may mean you receive too much money and will have to make a repayment. 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 to a child’s education affect how much Universal Credit is paid. Payments cannot be received for young people on advanced courses.
What counts as advanced education
Advanced education includes higher education qualifications above A level or equivalent, typically leading to university-level study. Examples include a university degree, postgraduate qualification, NVQ level 4 or above, degree apprenticeship, diploma of higher education (DipHE), certificate of higher education (CertHE), higher national diploma (HND), higher national certificate (HNC), foundation degree, teaching qualification, and graduate diploma.
If a child is 18 or over and no longer enrolled on, or accepted for, eligible education or training, they can apply for Universal Credit themselves.
Changes that must be reported
Changes to report include finding or finishing a job, having a child, moving in with a partner, starting to care for a child or disabled person, a child aged 16 to 19 stopping or restarting education or training, changing mobile number or email address, moving to a new address, going outside Great Britain or Northern Ireland for any length of time, changing bank details, rent going up or down, changes to health condition, becoming too ill to work or meet a work coach, nearing the end of life, changes to earnings (if self-employed), changes to savings, investments and money, and changes to immigration status if not a British citizen.
The DWP 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."
