Universal Credit claimants have been urged to report 19 changes in their circumstances to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), as failing to do so could result in their payments being stopped. According to the latest data from the DWP, there were more than 7.6 million people across Scotland, England, and Wales who received financial support through Universal Credit at the end of March.

Among the several changes that must be reported are updating your mobile number or email address, changing your bank account, moving to a new home, or experiencing an increase or decrease in rent. 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.”

Means-tested benefits are typically paid on a monthly basis, though some individuals in Scotland may receive them fortnightly, reports the Daily Record. 

However, many Universal Credit claimants might not realise that failing to report specific changes in their circumstances to the DWP could affect their payments or eligibility. In some cases, this oversight can result in fines—or even legal action.

DWP guidance on GOV.UK states you need to report changes in your circumstances so that you keep getting the right amount each month. It adds you need to report changes “as soon as they happen” because any delay “may mean you receive too much money and will have to make a repayment”.

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.”

1.Finding a job

2.Finishing a job

3.Having a child

4.Moving in with your partner

5.Starting to care for a child

6.Starting to care for a disabled person

7.Your child stopping or restarting education or training, if they’re aged 16 to 19

8.Changing your mobile number

9.Changing your email address

10.Moving to a new address

11.Going outside Great Britain for any length of time, if you live there

12.Going outside Northern Ireland for any length of time, if you live there

13.Changing your bank details

14.Your rent going up or down

15.Changes to your health condition

16.Becoming too ill to work or meet your work coach

17.Changes to your earnings (only if you’re self-employed)

18.Changes to your savings, investments and how much money you have

19.Changes to your immigration status, if you’re not a British citizen