Universal Credit claimants are being warned of the changes to circumstances they must make the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) aware of. If the Government believes you deliberately did not tell them of a change in circumstances in order to receive an overpayment, you could be prosecuted for benefit fraud. DWP guidance outlines a number of changes that you should make them aware of.
They include, but are not limited to: Finding or finishing a job Having a child Moving in with your partner Starting to care for a child or disabled person Changing your mobile number or email address Changing your email address Moving to a new address 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 You can report a change online through your Universal Credit account or journal if you have one. You can also call the Universal Credit helpline, though that is likely to take longer, or report the change at the Jobcentre. You may be asked for proof by the DWP, which could include a letter from your employer if you have found a new job.
If you are unable to provide proof you must make the DWP aware, and then you will be advised on what you can do to provide evidence. Failing to report changes to the DWP could result in y.