The DWP has issued a warning to people claiming Universal Credit
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging Universal Credit claimants to report any changes in their living arrangements through their online account to prevent potential overpayments, which would need to be repaid.
This advice is particularly pertinent for single claimants who either move in with a partner or have a partner move into their home, as this directly impacts the type of Universal Credit they should be claiming. Only single people can claim the single person’s allowance, while married people and those living together must claim as a couple.
A social media post from the DWP advises: “If you’ve moved in with a partner or your living arrangements have changed, remember to update your circumstances using your Universal Credit account. Not reporting changes could lead to overpayments that you may have to repay.”
The post further explains how claimants can update their claim or report a change in circumstances through their Universal Credit online account. It emphasises that keeping your account current ensures you receive the correct amount of support to which you are entitled, reports the Daily Record.
Nearly 20 changes require reporting by Universal Credit recipients, including getting a new phone number, a new email address, transferring to alternative bank accounts, relocating homes and rental increases or decreases.
DWP guidance on GOV.UK cautions: “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.”
What changes do I need to report to the DWP?
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued guidance on GOV.UK, stating that claimants need to report any changes in their circumstances promptly. This is to ensure they continue receiving the correct amount each month. It emphasises these changes should be reported “as soon as they happen”, as any delay “may mean you receive too much money and will have to make a repayment”.
It cautions: “Changes in your circumstances can affect how much you’re paid for your whole assessment period – not just from the date you report them.”
These 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 can I report a change to the DWP?
The DWP notes claimants can report a change of circumstances by signing in to their online Universal Credit account.
Got a job or working more hours?
You can use a benefits calculator or consult with your work coach to understand how securing a job or an increase in your earnings might impact your Universal Credit claim. Most employers will report your earnings for you and typically, you’ll only need to report monthly earnings if you are self-employed.
You may be required 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.
