DWP outlines 17 changes that could see you lose your benefits - full list

People relying on Universal Credit could face the loss of their benefits if they neglect to report one of 17 crucial changes.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) maintains stringent regulations regarding eligibility for Universal Credit, with alterations in circumstances potentially impacting payment amounts. Neglecting to declare these modifications could result in severe repercussions.

Certain changes requiring notification include updates to contact details, bank information, home addresses, and rent modifications. Official guidance on GOV.UK cautions: "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 guidance further emphasises the critical need to declare any modifications "as soon as they happen" to ensure accurate Universal Credit payments and avoid repayments stemming from excessive payments.

17 changes that must be reported

DWP guidance highlights: "Changes in your circumstances can affect how much you're paid for your whole assessment period - not just from the date you report them."

These changes include:

• Having a child
• Going outside Great Britain for any length of time, if you live there
• Changes to your immigration status, if you're not a British citizen
• Becoming too ill to work or meet your work coach
• Your child stopping or restarting education or training, if they're aged 16 to 19
• Changes to your health condition
• Going outside Northern Ireland for any length of time, if you live there
• Moving in with your partner
• Changing your bank details
• Changes to your earnings (only if you're self-employed)
• If a medical professional has said you're nearing the end of life
• Finding or finishing a job
• Changes to your savings, investments and how much money you have
• Starting to care for a child or disabled person
• Changing your mobile number or email address
• Moving to a new address
• Your rent is going up or down

Reporting a Universal Credit change

In order to report a change that could affect your Universal Credit payments, it is advised that you sign into your Universal Credit accountand do it through there. To sign into the account, you will need to use the username and password you created when you first applied for Universal Credit.

If you don't have this on hand, you can asl the DWP for a reminder.