Yahoo News DWP rules that can affect Universal Credit payments - the list
Claimants of Universal Credit could have their payments stopped if they do not tell the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about changes to their circumstances. That's because the amount of Universal Credit claimants receive is not a fixed amount, but is instead awarded based upon personal situation.
Circumstances taken into account include employment, disabilities, and who claimants live with. More than six million people claim Universal Credit, and they must keep the DWP abreast of major life changes as they may affect claims, the Mirror reports.
If claimants are paid too much Universal Credit, they will have to pay it back to the DWP and this is usually taken from your future payments. The GOV.UK website warns individuals could be taken to court or have to pay a penalty if they give wrong information or do not report a change in circumstances. Changes can include:
Finding or finishing a job
Having a child
Moving in with your partner
Starting to care for a child or disabled person
Your child stopping or restarting education or training, if they’re aged 16 to 19
Changing your mobile number or email address
Moving to a new address
Going outside Great Britain for any length of time, if you live there
Going outside Northern Ireland for any length of time, if you live there
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 of circumstances by signing in to your Universal Credit account. Most employers will report your earnings for you, so you don't normally need to tell the DWP about your earnings unless you're self-employed.
