Universal Credit applicants warned of 16 changes to report or face action

Universal Credit claimants have been sent a reminder about the need to report any changes to their circumstances. It comes as the Department for Work and Pensions revealed earlier this week that it now has “3,100 full-time equivalent officers examining Universal Credit claims”.

During the 2024/25 financial year, the DWP said it was measuring a sample of claims from five specific benefits and the State Pension as part of its fraud and error exercise for 2024. With this in mind, there 16 different changes that people need to report or they could risk a penalty or even a court.

DWP guidance emphasizes that people must report changes in their circumstances. This is so that people can continue to receive the correct payment each month, the DailyRecord reports.

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The guidance adds that people should report changes “as soon as they occur”. This is because any delay “could mean you receive too much money and will have to make a repayment”.

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.” DWP guidance on GOV.UK 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.”

Changes may include:

1. finding a job
2. finishing a job
3. to have a child
4. move in with your partner
5. starting to take care of a child
6. starting to care for a disabled person
7. changing your mobile number
8. change of email address
9. moving to a new address
10. change bank details
11. rent increases or decreases
12. changes in your health
13. getting too sick to work or see your job coach
14. changes in your income – only if you are self-employed
15. changes in your savings, investments and how much money you have
16. changes to your immigration status if you are not a British citizen

People can report a change in circumstances by logging into their Universal Credit account on GOV.UK.

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