Universal Credit claimants must report 18 specific changes in their circumstances to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or face serious penalties.
Failing to notify the DWP about these changes is considered a criminal offence. Those who do not comply risk having their benefits stopped completely.
They could also face fines of up to £5,000 or be taken to court. Many claimants may be unaware of their legal obligation to report these changes.
The benefit payment, which is given to those who need help with living costs, is calculated based on specific personal circumstances.
Universal Credit recipients are under scrutiny by the DWP
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This means any changes could affect payment amounts and eligibility.
Universal Credit is calculated based on your specific circumstances, so the DWP must be informed of any changes that could affect your payments.
Not updating them about these changes is considered a criminal offence. This is because you could end up receiving more in benefits than you're legally entitled to.
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The Government is clamping down on Universal Credit claimants
PAHere is a full list of the changes Universal Credit claimants need to inform the DWP about:
- Looking for or finishing a job
- Having a child
- Moving in with a partner
- Starting to care for a child or disabled person
- Claimant's child stops or restarts education or training, if they are aged 16 to 19
- Changing mobile number or email address
- Moving to a new address
- Going outside Great Britain for any length of time, if a claimant lives there
- Going outside Northern Ireland for any length of time, if a claimant lives there
- Changing bank details
- A claimant's rent going up or down
- Changes to your health condition
- Becoming too ill to work or meet a work coach
- If a medical professional has said you’re nearing the end of life
- Changes to a claimant's earnings (only if they are self-employed)
- Changes to a claimant's savings, investments and how much money you have
- Changes to a claimant's immigration status, if they are not a British citizen.
Those who fail to update the DWP of any of the above changes may be brought in by the department for an "interview under caution".
This will be recorded and may be used in a criminal investigation. Those who commit or attempt fraud will need to repay any overpaid money.
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Benefit claimants could face legal consequences
GettyFines range between £350 and £5,000 for those found guilty. The DWP may also reduce or completely stop your benefits, known as a sanction.
If a claimant believes they have made a genuine mistake, you may be able to appeal the DWP's decision. Claimants can request a "mandatory reconsideration" against the DWP.
This is an official process to challenge decisions about your Universal Credit. The DWP website offers advisers who can help with this process.
