The Department for Work and Pensions has issued a warning to Universal Credit claimants about 17 life changes that must be reported to avoid losing benefits. Failing to notify the DWP of these changes could result in sanctions, debt, or even criminal charges for benefit fraud.
Universal Credit supports around 8.4 million people across England, Wales, and Scotland. Claimants are required to report any change of circumstances as soon as possible. Delays can lead to overpayments or underpayments, affecting future payments.
What counts as a change of circumstances?
The DWP lists 17 specific changes that must be reported:
- Finding or finishing a job
- Having a child
- Moving in with your partner
- Starting to care for a child or disabled person
- Your child stopping or restarting education or training (if aged 16-19)
- Changing your mobile number or 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
- If a medical professional has said you’re nearing the end of life
- 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)
Consequences of not reporting
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. Changes in your circumstances can affect how much you're paid for your whole assessment period - not just from the date you report them.”
If you receive more money than entitled, it’s called an overpayment and must be repaid. The DWP may recover funds via future benefit payments, wages, or court orders. If you receive less, you may get a backdated lump sum, which could affect means-tested benefits.
Turn2Us advises anyone facing difficulties from failing to declare changes to “get expert advice as soon as you can.”
