DWP issues new warning to people on Universal Credit
They could be in danger of being overpaid with the DWP urging people to keep an eye on their account
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging Universal Credit claimants to declare changes to their living situations through their online accounts to prevent overpayments they'd be forced to repay. This is especially crucial for single claimants who move in with partners or have them relocate to their property, as this directly impacts their Universal Credit entitlement.
Only people living alone can receive the single person's allowance, whilst married couples and those living together must apply as a partnership. The reminder comes as the DWP announced on social media: "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 statement continues by outlining how claimants can modify their applications or notify authorities of circumstantial changes via their Universal Credit online portal, reports the Daily Record. It adds that keeping your account up to date ensures you receive the right amount of support you are entitled to.
Nearly 20 changes require reporting by Universal Credit recipients, including getting a new phone number, a new email address, transferring to alternative bank accounts, relocating homes and rental increases or decreases.
DWP guidance on GOV.UK cautions: "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 circumstances you need to report to DWP
The DWP issued guidance on GOV.UK, stating that changes in your circumstances must be reported promptly to ensure you continue receiving the correct amount each month. The DWP emphasises that these changes should be reported "as soon as they happen", as any delay "may mean you receive too much money and will have to make a repayment".
It cautions: "Changes in your circumstances can affect how much you're paid for your whole assessment period - not just from the date you report them."
These 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 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
The DWP suggests that claimants can report a change of circumstances by signing in to their online Universal Credit account.
If you secure a job or increase your working hours
You can use a benefits calculator or consult with your work coach to understand how securing a job or an increase in your earnings might impact your Universal Credit claim. Most employers will report your earnings for you. You will typically only need to report monthly earnings if you are self-employed.
If you have been overpaid by the DWP
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.