Benefit claimants are being alerted to a series of changes they must report to avoid fines or potential court action. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has specific rules for those who claim universal credit.
The benefit is distributed to over six million people on low incomes in the UK, but many are unaware that there are certain things you must inform the department about while you claim. Failure to do so, or providing incorrect information, could result in fines or even court proceedings.
Some of these changes may affect you if you’re planning a holiday this summer, so it’s worth checking what you need to do if you’ve booked a trip. To receive the latest money stories directly to your inbox twice a week, sign up to our newsletter here. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here.
Why is it necessary to inform the DWP about changes in my circumstances?
According to DWP guidance, the reason you must report changes to your circumstances is to ensure you receive the correct amount of money each month, as the benefit is awarded based on your individual circumstances. You must report these changes “as soon as they happen”, as any delay “may mean you receive too much money and will have to make a repayment”, reports Wales Online.
“Changes in your circumstances can affect how much you’re paid for your whole assessment period not just from the date you report them,” says DWP guidance. According to the government website, the DWP states: “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.”
The changes you need to report are as follows:.
- finding a job
- finishing a job
- having a child
- moving in with your partner
- starting to care for a child
- starting to care for disabled person
- changing your mobile number
- changing your email address
- moving to a new address
- 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
If you go abroad you can continue to get universal credit for one month. You must be eligible for universal credit when you’re going abroad, remain eligible for it while you’re abroad, and also tell your work coach that you’re going.
If a close relative dies while you’re abroad and it would not be reasonable for you to come back to the UK you can get universal credit for one more month. You cannot get universal credit if you’re moving abroad permanently and you cannot apply for it if you’re already abroad.
How do I report changes?
You can report a change of circumstances through your universal credit account on GOV. UK. Find out everything you need to know about doing this here.