If you are receiving Universal Credit to help with your living costs, it’s very important to keep the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) updated about any changes in your life. If you fail to report these changes, you could lose your benefits, be fined up to £5,000, or even be taken to court. Many people don’t realise that not reporting a change is actually a criminal offence.
Universal Credit is given based on your personal circumstances, like your job, health, family situation, and where you live. So, if any of those things change, it could affect how much money you receive.
Let’s take a look at which changes you need to report and what could happen if you don’t.
Why It’s Important to Report Changes
The DWP uses the information you give them to calculate your benefit payment. If they don’t know something has changed, you might receive more money than you should—and this is considered benefit fraud.
To avoid getting into trouble, you must tell the DWP about any changes as soon as possible.
What Happens If You Don’t Report Changes?
If you don’t report a change:
- Your benefits can be stopped or reduced (this is called a “sanction”)
- You may be called in for an “interview under caution”
- You could face fines between £350 and £5,000
- You might have to repay money
- In serious cases, you could be taken to court
Even if it was an honest mistake, you will still need to explain yourself. You can appeal the DWP’s decision by asking for a mandatory reconsideration.
The 18 Changes You Must Report to the DWP
Here are the 18 important changes that Universal Credit claimants must report:
- Looking for a job or starting a new one
- Finishing a job
- Having a baby or adopting a child
- Moving in with a partner
- Starting to care for a child or disabled person
- If your child aged 16 to 19 starts or stops education or training
- Changing your mobile number or email address
- Moving to a new address
- Going abroad if you live in Great Britain
- Going abroad if you live in Northern Ireland
- Changing your bank details
- If your rent goes up or down
- Changes to your health condition
- If you become too ill to work or attend appointments
- If a doctor says you’re nearing the end of life
- Changes to your earnings (if you’re self-employed)
- Changes in your savings or investments
- Changes to your immigration status (if you are not a British citizen)
How to Report Changes
You can report changes:
- Online through your Universal Credit account
- By contacting the DWP helpline
- With the help of a benefits adviser or Citizens Advice Bureau
Make sure to keep a record of when and how you informed the DWP. If you’re not sure whether something counts as a change, it’s better to report it anyway.
If you are claiming Universal Credit, staying honest and informed is very important. Your payments depend on your personal situation, and not reporting any changes can lead to penalties, sanctions, and even court cases. Always keep the DWP updated to avoid problems. If you feel the DWP made a mistake, you can always appeal the decision and ask for help through official channels. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
FAQ
Is not reporting a change to Universal Credit a crime?
Yes, it can be considered benefit fraud and may lead to fines or prosecution if done on purpose.
Can I appeal if I’m punished for not reporting a change?
Yes, you can request a mandatory reconsideration and challenge the DWP’s decision through an official process.
How do I report a change to the DWP?
You can report changes through your Universal Credit online account, by phone, or with help from Citizens Advice.
What happens if I don’t report changes to Universal Credit?
You could lose your benefits, be fined up to £5,000, have to repay overpaid money, or even face legal action.
What changes do I need to report to the DWP?
You need to report 18 types of changes like job updates, changes in family, health, rent, savings, or address.
