DWP issues warning to anyone who is making any of these 16 life changes in 2025
A warning has been issued by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to anyone who has undergone one of 16 life changes in the past few months. People who claim benefits are being advised to come forward and report change in circumstances, reports BirminghamLive.
The message applies to those claiming Universal Credit, with a list of things that must be reported. You must report these changes "as soon as they happen", as any delay "may mean you receive too much money and will have to make a repayment".
The DWP said: "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 changes you need to report include finding a job, finishing a job, having a child and moving in with your partner.
READ MORE: DWP state pension 'won't be enough' as 20 percent rule warning issued
READ MORE: DWP full list of benefits that will be rising in April 2025
Other changes include:
starting to care for a child
starting to care for disabled person
changing your mobile number
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
If you go abroad you can continue to get Universal Credit for one month, too. You must be eligible when you're going abroad, remain eligible for it while you're abroad, and also tell your work coach that you're going.
If a close relative dies while you're abroad and it would not be reasonable for you to come back to the UK you can get Universal Credit for one more month. You cannot get Universal Credit if you're moving abroad permanently and you cannot apply for it if you're already abroad.