DWP warning as Universal Credit claimants could be hit with fines

DWP said in some cases payments can be stopped, and claimants could even be hauled in front of the courts

Over seven million people across Scotland, England and Wales are now claiming Universal Credit. This means-tested benefit is a payment for individuals under State Pension age who are on a low income or out of work.

Many people who receive Universal Credit may not be aware that they need to report certain changes to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Failure to do so could result in their payments being stopped, and in some instances, they could even face fines or court proceedings.

There are some 19 changes in circumstances that must be reported, including changing your email address or getting a new phone number. DWP guidance on Gov.uk 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", as reported by the Daily Record.

Changes in circumstances must be reported "as soon as they happen". Any delay "may mean you receive too much money and will have to make a repayment".

DWP guidance adds: "Changes in your circumstances can affect how much you’re paid for your whole assessment period, not just from the date you report them."

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 the UK 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 UK citizen

DWP advises that claimants can report a change of circumstances by signing in to their online Universal Credit account. If you get a job, or increase the hours you work, you can use a benefit calculator or speak with your work coach to find out how this may affect your Universal Credit claim.