DWP Universal Credit warning as millions could face penalties or court

Millions of Universal Credit recipients are being cautioned by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that they could face court action or financial penalties if they neglect to declare certain changes. Claimants must inform the DWP of changes such as a new mobile number or email, changing bank accounts, moving house, or adjustments in rent.

According to DWP guidelines on GOV. UK: "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."

It's imperative for claimants to report these updates "as soon as they happen" to avoid overpayments and the subsequent need for repayments. The DWP notes: "Changes in your circumstances can affect how much you're paid for your whole assessment period - not just from the date you report them."

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To report any changes in circumstances, claimants should log into their Universal Credit account via GOV. UK, reports the Liverpool Echo.

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

• 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