The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a stark warning to millions of benefit recipients across the UK: failing to report specific changes in your circumstances could result in a £50 penalty. The government body emphasises that knowingly withholding information is considered benefit fraud.
What changes must you report?
According to official DWP guidance, you are legally required to inform the relevant authority about a wide range of changes to your life situation. The full list of 20 changes you must declare includes:
- Changing your name, gender, or immigration status.
- Finding, finishing a job, or working different hours.
- Your income increasing or decreasing.
- Moving house or having people move in or out of your home.
- The death of a partner or someone you live with.
- Getting married, divorced, or starting/ending a civil partnership.
- Having a baby or starting/stopping caring for someone.
- Changes to your medical condition, disability, or doctor.
- Going into hospital, a care home, or sheltered accommodation.
- Changes to your pension, savings, investments, or property.
- Planning to go abroad for any length of time.
The DWP states clearly: "If you do not report a change or a mistake, you might be paid too much. If you are, you might have to pay some of the money back. You might also have to pay a £50 penalty."
How to report changes to the DWP
The method for reporting these changes depends entirely on which benefits you receive. If you claim multiple benefits, you may need to contact more than one organisation.
Here is a essential guide on who to contact for some of the most common benefits:
- Universal Credit: Report changes using your online account or call 0800 328 5644.
- Pension Credit: Contact the Pension Service on 0800 731 0469.
- Disability Benefits (PIP/DLA): Contact the Disability Service Centre.
- Carer's Allowance: Report changes online or call 0800 731 0297.
- Child Benefit: Use the Child Benefit online service or call 0300 200 3100.
- Housing Benefit: Inform your local council directly.
- Attendance Allowance: Call the helpline on 0800 731 0122.
For all other benefits, you should contact Jobcentre Plus. It is crucial to have your National Insurance number ready when you call.
The consequences of not reporting changes
Intentionally failing to declare a change that affects your benefit claim is classified as benefit fraud. This can lead to more severe consequences than a simple £50 fine, including potentially having to repay all of the overpaid money and facing legal prosecution.
The government's 'Tell Us Once' service is available to simplify reporting a death to most government departments in a single step. For all other changes, prompt and honest communication with the DWP or relevant body is the only way to ensure you remain compliant and avoid financial penalties.
