Failure to report these 16 changes could lead to fines for 6.9 million Universal Credit beneficiaries

The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that at the end of June there were 6.9 million people in Scotland, England and Wales receiving financial help through Universal Credit for their daily living costs by day. Support is usually paid monthly, although it may be distributed fortnightly for some people living in Scotland. However, many recipients may not realize that they need to tell the DWP about certain changes in their circumstances or risk having their entitlement or payments affected – in extreme cases this could result in a penalty fine or in court.

You are required to report changes such as getting a new mobile phone number or email address, changing bank accounts, moving house and rent fluctuations. The DWP’s official guide to the UK Government warns: “You can be taken to court or have to pay a penalty if you give wrong information or fail to report a change in your circumstances.”

Earlier in the year, the DWP confirmed it now employs “3,100 full-time equivalent officers who review Universal Credit claims”, reports the Daily Record.

During the 2024/25 tax year, the DWP will assess a sample of claims from five special benefits and the state pension for its 2024 investigation into fraud and error.

The following benefits will have sample claims measured for fraud and error in 2024/25 by the DWP.

• Universal credit
• Housing benefit (state pension age cases)
• Retirement credit
• State pension
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Carer’s Allowance

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a reminder that people must report any changes in their circumstances to ensure they receive the correct Universal Credit payment each month. The guidance emphasizes the importance of reporting changes “as soon as they occur” to avoid overpayments and subsequent refunds.

The DWP warns: “Changes in your circumstances can affect how much you are paid for the whole assessment period – not just from the date you reported them.”

Notable changes to report include:

• finding a job
• finishing a job
• to have a child
• move in with your partner
• starting to take care of a child
• starting the care of the disabled person
• changing your mobile number
• change of email address
• moving to a new address
• change bank details
• the rent increases or decreases
• changes in your health
• getting too sick to work or see your job coach
• changes in your income – only if you are self-employed
• changes in your savings, investments and how much money you have
• changes to your immigration status if you are not a British citizen

To report a change, claimants must log in to their Universal Credit account on GOV. UK.

For those thinking about applying for Universal Credit, here’s a rundown of the current monthly payment rates for 2024/25.

Universal credit (monthly installments):

Single claimants