A wide variety of changes could lead to significant consequences if left unreported to the DWP
Up to 17 changes in a Universal Credit claimant’s personal circumstances could lead to their payments being axed, according to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The government department enforces a series of strict rules regarding Universal Credit eligibility and things that could affect that eligibility
Changes in personal circumstances can affect the amount a claimant is eligible to receive through the benefit. Failing to report these changes could lead to serious consequences as you may be receiving more money than you’re actually entitled to.
Specific changes that must be reported include updates to personal information, bank details, home addresses, and changes to rent payments. Guidance from the DWP stresses the importance of reporting any changes “as soon as they happen” to ensure accurate Universal Credit payments and avoid having to repay any overpayments.
Official guidance on GOV.UK adds: “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.” If you fail to report any benefit overpayments, DWP guidance highlights that you may be prosecuted for benefit fraud.
Being convicted of benefit fraud can lead to payments being reduced or stopped for up to three years. Keep in mind that Universal Credit is among the many benefits that are eligible for these sanctions.
17 changes that must be reported to the DWP
DWP guidance explains: “Changes in your circumstances can affect how much you’re paid for your whole assessment period – not just from the date you report them.” These changes include:
- Changing your bank details
- Changes to your savings, investments and how much money you have
- Having a child
- Moving to a new address
- Starting to care for a child or disabled person
- Changes to your immigration status, if you’re not a British citizen
- Finding or finishing a job
- Your rent is going up or down
- Changing your mobile number or email address
- Going outside Great Britain for any length of time, if you live there
- Moving in with your partner
- Going outside Northern Ireland for any length of time, if you live there
- Your child stopping or restarting education or training, if they’re aged 16 to 19
- If a medical professional has said you’re nearing the end of life
- Changes to your health condition
- Changes to your earnings (only if you’re self-employed)
- Becoming too ill to work or meet your work coach
Reporting a Universal Credit change
If you need to report a change that could affect your Universal Credit payments, it’s advised that you log into your Universal Credit account and submit the changes there. To sign in, you’ll need the username and password you set up when you first applied for Universal Credit.
If you don’t have these details to hand, you can ask for a reminder from the DWP. Further details on what changes need to be reported to the DWP, as well as how to do so, can be found on the GOV.UK website here.