Overview
- The DWP’s GOV.UK guidance says failing to report changes or mistakes can lead to overpayments you must repay and a £50 penalty, and deliberate non‑reporting is classed as benefit fraud.
- Reportable changes include starting or ending work, altered hours or income, any travel abroad, new or ended caring responsibilities, a change of name or gender, admission to hospital or a care home, and moving house.
- Claimants must also update household composition, marriage or divorce, health or disability changes, education or training status, immigration status, pensions, savings or property, and any changes affecting Child Benefit.
- Birmingham Live and Nottinghamshire Live on 14 November highlighted that the rules cover around 24 million benefit recipients and warned that oversights can carry financial or legal consequences.
- For Universal Credit, the DWP notes that changes can affect the whole assessment period, delays can trigger recoverable overpayments, and giving wrong information or not reporting can result in penalties or court action.