Failing to report changes in circumstances could have major consequences for claimants
Universal Credit is an essential benefit that provides support to around 8.4 million people across England, Wales and Scotland – yet some claimants may be putting their payments at risk by neglecting to notify the DWP of certain changes in their personal circumstances.
The Department for Work and Pensions has outlined 17 instances, known as changes of circumstances, which claimants are required to report as soon as possible. If they fail to, they risk facing sanctions, building up debt to the DWP, or having their payments stopped altogether. In some cases, this can even amount to benefit fraud, which is a criminal offence.
Certain life changes must be declared to the DWP as they could impact the amount you are entitled to receive, and delaying the report could result in you being paid too much or too little in your subsequent payments.
Changes of circumstances can include:
- 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
Turn2Us advises that anyone experiencing difficulties as a result of failing to declare changes in their circumstances should “get expert advice as soon as you can”.
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. Changes in your circumstances can affect how much you’re paid for your whole assessment period – not just from the date you report them.”
If you have been receiving more money than you are entitled to, this is known as an overpayment. You will be obliged to pay back any surplus funds that you were not entitled to receive, explains the Express.
The DWP may look to recover funds paid in error via:
- Future benefit payments
- Wages
- Getting a court order to recover the debt
If you have been receiving less money than you are entitled to, this is known as an underpayment, and you may be eligible for a backdated payment from the DWP. This could be issued as a lump sum and, in certain circumstances, it may have an effect on means-tested benefits.
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