Universal Credit claimants risk 'committing fraud' for simple mistake

Universal Credit recipients may unwittingly be engaging in fraud by travelling abroad while on benefits. An estimated 7.2 million individuals across the UK are on Universal Credit, but many might not realise that they are required to inform the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) of certain changes that could influence their claim.

Neglecting to report these changes can affect a claimant's eligibility or payments and could lead to fines or legal action. The DWP has issued a stark warning that intentionally failing to declare changes can constitute benefit fraud.

The guidance warns: "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."

According to DWP guidelines, claimants must report any changes in circumstances to ensure they receive the correct payment each month.

The guidance insists on reporting changes "as soon as they happen" to avoid overpayments that would require repayment. It cautions: "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:

• moving house
• getting married or divorced
• changes to the benefits you or anyone else in your house gets
• any changes to your medical condition or disability
• the death of your partner or someone you live with
• people moving into or out of the place you live (for example your partner, a child or lodger)
• changing your doctor
• going into hospital, a care home or sheltered accommodation
• starting or stopping education, training or an apprenticeship
• you or your partner getting back-pay (sometimes called ‘arrears’) for salary or earnings you’re owed
• changes to your immigration status, if you’re not a British citizen
• starting or ending a civil partnership
• changes to your pension, savings, investments or property
• having a baby
• your income going up or down
• changes to other money you get (for example student loans or grants, sick pay or money you get from a charity)
• changing your name or gender
• starting or stopping caring for someone
• finding or finishing a job, or working different hours
• planning to go abroad for any length of time

Universal Credit claimants can report a change through their Universal Credit online account. In order to do this, you will need to use the username and password you set yo when you first applied for Universal Credit.

If you cannot access the account, or do not have one, you can also contact the Universal Credit helpline by dialling 0800 328 5644.