Universal Credit changes you must report to DWP or face court
People claiming Universal Credit could be hit with sanctions if they do not tell the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) of certain changes. Data from the DWP shows there were 6.4 million people claiming Universal Credit at the end of January.
This includes 2.4m working people, which represents 38 per cent of all people claiming the income-related benefit. Universal Credit is usually paid monthly.
There are certain changes in circumstances which must be reported to the DWP. If claimants fail to notify the DWP of some changes, it could impact their entitlement or payments.
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In some cases, you could be handed a fine or be hauled to court. Changes which should be reported include getting a new mobile number or email address, Daily Record reports.
Switching to a different bank account, moving address and changes to your rent should also be reported to the DWP. Guidance on GOV.UK says: "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 confirmed in April that it now has '3,100 full time equivalent agents reviewing Universal Credit claims'.
Change of circumstances you need to report to DWP
DWP guidance states that you need to report changes to your circumstances so you continue to get the right amount each month. You need to report 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 says: "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:
finding a job
finishing a job
having a child
moving in with your partner
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
How to report a change
You can report a change of circumstances by signing in to your Universal Credit account on GOV.UK.
Universal Credit payment rates 2024/25
The current Universal Credit payment rates and the new rates - which are due to start from May 14 - are below.
Universal Credit (monthly rates)
Single claimants
Under 25: £311.68 (from £292.11)
25 or over: £393.45 (from £368.74)
Joint claimants
Joint claimants both under 25: £489.23 (from £458.51)
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over: £617.60 (from £578.82)
Child Amounts
First child (born prior to April 6, 2017): £333.33 (from £315.00)
First child (born on or after April 6, 2017) / second child and subsequent child (where an exception or transitional provision applies): £287.92 (from £269.58)
Disabled Child Additions
Lower rate addition: £156.11 (from £146.31)
Higher rate addition: £487.58 (from £456.89)
Limited Capability for Work
Monthly amount: £156.11 (from £146.31)
Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity
Monthly amount: £416.19 (from £390.06)
Carer amount
Monthly amount: £198.31 (from £185.86)
Childcare costs amount
Maximum for one child: £1014.63 (from ££950.92)
Maximum for two or more children: £1,739.37 (from £1630.15)
Non-dependants’ housing cost contributions: £91.47 (from £85.73)
Work Allowances
Higher work allowance (no housing amount)
One or more dependent children or limited capability for work: £673.00 (from £631.00)
Lower work allowance
One or more dependent children or limited capability for work: £404.00 (from £379.00)
Full details on Universal Credit deduction amounts based on household circumstances can be found on GOV.UK here.