The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show there are now 7 million people across Scotland, England and Wales receiving financial support through Universal Credit. The means-tested benefit is usually paid monthly, but can be paid fortnightly for some people living in Scotland.
However, many Universal Credit claimants may not be aware certain changes in circumstances must be reported to the DWP or it could impact their entitlement or payments and in some cases, can lead to a penalty fine or even a court appearance.
There are nearly 20 changes that need to be reported, including getting a new mobile number or email address, switching to a different bank account, moving address and your rent going up or down. DWP guidance on GOV.UK 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.”
Change of circumstances you need to report to DWP
DWP guidance on GOV.UK states you need to report changes in your circumstances so that you keep getting the right amount each month. It adds you need to report changes “as soon as they happen” because any delay “may mean you receive too much money and will have to make a repayment”.
DWP warns: “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 can include:
- Finding a job
- Finishing a job
- Having a child
- Moving in with your partner
- Starting to care for a child
- Starting to care for a disabled person
- Your child stopping or restarting education or training, if they’re aged 16 to 19
- Changing your mobile number
- Changing your 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
- 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
How to report a change
DWP advises that claimants can report a change of circumstances by signing in to their online Universal Credit account.
If you get a job or increase the hours you work
Use a benefits calculator or speak with your work coach to find out how getting a job or an increase in your earnings might affect your Universal Credit claim.
Most employers will report your earnings for you. You will normally only need to report monthly earnings if you are self-employed.
If you have been paid too much by DWP
You may have to repay the money if you:
- did not report a change straight away
- gave wrong information
- were overpaid by mistake
Full details about benefit overpayments can be found on GOV.UK here.