DWP warning as Universal Credit claimants could be taken to court or face fines

Universal Credit claimants need to keep the DWP informed of certain changes

Universal Credit claimants must report particular life changes to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or risk facing court action or penalty charges.

Changes that claimants must inform the DWP about include new mobile number or email, changing bank accounts, moving house, or adjustments in rent. According to DWP guidelines on GOV.UK: “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.”

It’s crucial for claimants to report changes “as soon as they happen” to avoid overpayments and subsequent repayments. The DWP states: “Changes in your circumstances can affect how much you’re paid for your whole assessment period – not just from the date you report them.” To report any changes, claimants should log into their Universal Credit account on GOV. UK.

Changes can include:

• finding or finishing a job
• having a child
• moving in with your partner
• starting to care for a child or disabled person
• changing your mobile number or email address
• 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