The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a crucial alert to the 8.4 million people across England, Scotland, and Wales who rely on Universal Credit for financial support. New guidance emphasises that failing to report specific changes in circumstances could lead to payments being stopped, financial penalties, or even court proceedings.
What Changes Must You Report to the DWP?
DWP rules state that claimants must report nearly 20 different types of life changes to ensure they receive the correct payment each month. The department stresses that any changes must be reported "as soon as they happen" to avoid being overpaid, which would require repayment.
Significantly, the DWP warns 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."
The Full List of Reportable Changes
The extensive list of changes that must be reported includes both major life events and seemingly minor administrative updates:
- Finding or finishing a job
- Moving in with a partner
- Having a child or starting to care for one
- Your rent increasing or decreasing
- Moving to a new address
- Changing your mobile number or email address
- Switching bank accounts
- Changes to your health condition
- Becoming too ill to work
- Changes to savings and investments
- Going outside Great Britain or Northern Ireland
Consequences of Failing to Report Changes
The DWP guidance on GOV.UK delivers a stark warning: "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."
This means that even simple oversights, such as forgetting to update a new phone number or bank details, could have serious financial and legal repercussions for claimants.
How to Report Changes and Manage Your Claim
Claimants can report changes by signing into their online Universal Credit account. For those who secure employment or increase their working hours, most employers will report earnings automatically. However, self-employed claimants must report their monthly earnings themselves.
The DWP advises that claimants concerned about how employment might affect their benefits should use a benefits calculator or consult their work coach for guidance.
If you have received an overpayment from the DWP - whether from not reporting a change, providing incorrect information, or due to an administrative error - you will likely have to repay the money. Full details about benefit overpayments are available on GOV.UK.
