The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed 17 significant life events or changes in circumstances that Universal Credit claimants must report without delay. Failing to do so could result in sanctions, including suspension of payments, and may even constitute benefit fraud, a criminal offence.
Why Reporting Changes Is Crucial
Certain life changes must be reported to the DWP as they can affect the amount of Universal Credit you are entitled to. Delaying the report might lead to receiving too much or too little in subsequent payments. The DWP warns: "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." Changes in your circumstances can affect how much you're paid for your whole assessment period, not just from the date you report them.
List of 17 Changes to Report
- Finding or finishing a job
- Having a child
- Moving in with your partner
- Starting to care for a child or disabled person
- Your child stopping or restarting education or training, if they’re aged 16 to 19
- Changing your mobile number or 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
- If a medical professional has said you’re nearing the end of life
- 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
Expert Advice
Turn2Us advises anyone facing difficulties due to failing to declare changes in their circumstances to "get expert advice as soon as you can." The DWP guidance on Gov.uk reiterates the serious consequences of non-compliance.
