According to the most recent figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), there were 6.9 million people across England, Scotland and Wales, getting financial help through Universal Credit at the end of June.
This income-related benefit is provided to help individuals in and out of work on a low income cope with their daily living expenses.
Universal Credit Reporting Requirements and DWP's Fraud Investigation
Universal Credit benefits are usually paid every month, but can be paid once every two weeks for some people residing in Scotland. However, many claimants may not know that certain changes in circumstances have to be reported to the DWP since this could impact their eligibility for the payments and in some cases, result in penalties, fines, or even court appearances.
The changes that you need to report include getting a new phone number or email address, moving to a different bank account, changing address and your rent increasing up or decreasing. 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.”
The DWP asserted earlier this year it currently has “3,100 full time equivalent agents reviewing Universal Credit claims”.
During the 2024/25 fiscal year, the DWP will assess a sample of claims from five particular benefits including the State Pension as part of its fraud and error investigation for 2024.
DWP's Fraud and Error Review During this Fiscal Year
The DWP is set to assess a sample of claims from the benefits cited below for fraud and error in 2024/25
- Carer's Allowance
- Housing Benefit (State Pension age cases)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Pension Credit
- State Pension
- Universal Credit
Change of Circumstances You Must Report to DWP
DWP guidance asserts that you have to report changes to your circumstances so that you can keep getting the right amount of financial assistance every month. It also explains that you are required to report changes “as soon as they happen” since any delay “may mean you receive too much money and will have to make a repayment”.
DWP 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.”
Changes can include:
- Getting employed
- Finishing a job
- Having a baby
- Moving in with your partner
- Caring for a child
- Caring for a disabled person
- Changing your phone number
- Changing your email address
- Moving to a new address
- Changing your bank information
- Fluctuations in your rent
- Changes to your health condition
- Becoming too sick to work
- Changes to your income — only if you’re self-employed
- Changes to your savings
- Shifts in your immigration status, if you don't hold British citizenship
How to Report a Change
In order to report a change of circumstances, you'll need to sign in to your Universal Credit account on the GOV.UK website.
