DWP warns millions of Universal Credit claimants about changes

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an alert to Universal Credit claimants to keep their online account updated with any changes in living situations to dodge the risk of overpayments that'll need repaying. It's especially key for single claimants who live with a partner or have them move in, as it impacts the type of Universal Credit they're eligible for.

Single people are entitled to the single person's allowance, while married or cohabiting people must file claims jointly. A DWP social media post says: "If you've moved in with a partner or your living arrangements have changed, remember to update your circumstances using your Universal Credit account. Not reporting changes could lead to overpayments that you may have to repay."

The message also guides claimants on how to refresh their claim or report any shifts in their situation via their Universal Credit online profile. And the post emphasises that keeping details current is crucial to getting the correct level of support, reports the Daily Record.

Universal Credit users must flag nearly 20 types of changes, from new contact details to rent fluctuations. And a warning from DWP on GOV.UK 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.

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"If you've moved in with a partner or your living arrangements have changed, remember to update your circumstances using your Universal Credit account. Not reporting changes could lead to overpayments that you may have to repay. 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."

Change of circumstances you need to report to DWP

DWP guidance on GOV.UK says that changes in circumstances must be reported to ensure the correct amount of benefits is received each month. The DWP emphasises that these changes should be reported "as soon as they happen" to avoid overpayment and subsequent repayment.

The DWP warns: "Changes in your circumstances can affect how much you're paid for your whole assessment period - not just from the date you report them."

Such changes could 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 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
• 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

How to report a change

To report a change, claimants are advised by the DWP to sign into their online Universal Credit account. If you secure employment or increase your working hours, it's recommended to use a benefits calculator or consult with your work coach to understand how this might impact your Universal Credit claim.

Most employers will report your earnings for you. However, if you're self-employed, you'll typically need to report your monthly earnings.

In cases where the DWP has overpaid you, you may be required to repay the money if you:

• did not report a change straight away
• gave wrong information
• were overpaid by mistake

Full details about benefit overpayments can be found on GOV.UK here.