To ensure you receive the correct Universal Credit payment each month, you must report any changes in your circumstances as soon as they happen. Failing to report a change on time may result in overpayment, which you will need to repay.
Changes can affect your entire assessment period, not just from the date you report them.
What Changes Must Be Reported?
You must update your Universal Credit account if you:
- Find or leave a job
- Have a child
- Move in with your partner
- Start caring for a child or disabled person
- Your child starts or stops education/training (if they’re 16-19 years old)
- Change your mobile number or email address
- Move to a new address
- Travel outside Great Britain or Northern Ireland
- Change your bank details
- Your rent increases or decreases
- Experience a change in your health condition
- Become too ill to work or attend work coach meetings
- A medical professional confirms you are nearing the end of life
- Your earnings change (if self-employed)
- Have changes in savings, investments, or financial status
- Your immigration status changes (if you’re not a British citizen)
If you fail to report changes or provide incorrect information, you may:
- Be required to repay overpaid benefits
- Face legal action or financial penalties
How to Report Changes
You can report a change in circumstances by signing in to your Universal Credit account online.
If You Get a Job or Your Earnings Increase
- Use a benefits calculator or speak to your work coach to understand how new earnings will affect your Universal Credit.
- Most employers report earnings automatically, but if you are self-employed, you may need to report your monthly earnings manually.
If You’ve Been Overpaid
You may need to repay overpaid Universal Credit if:
- You did not report a change immediately.
- You provided incorrect information.
- You received an overpayment by mistake.
To find out how to repay an overpayment, visit the benefits repayment section of your Universal Credit account.
Keeping your Universal Credit details up to date is essential to avoid overpayments and ensure you receive the correct amount each month. Changes in your income, family situation, health, or residence must be reported as soon as possible through your Universal Credit online account.
Failing to report changes may result in repayments, penalties, or legal action. If you are unsure how a change will affect your Universal Credit, consult a work coach or use a benefits calculator.
FAQ’s
Why do I need to report changes to my Universal Credit?
Reporting changes ensures you receive the correct payment. Delays may result in overpayments that you need to repay.
What happens if I don’t report a change in circumstances?
You may receive too much money and have to repay it. In some cases, you could face penalties or legal action.
How do I report changes in my circumstances?
You can report changes by signing into your Universal Credit account online and updating your details.
What if I get a job while on Universal Credit?
Most employers report earnings automatically. If self-employed, you may need to report earnings monthly.
What should I do if I’ve been overpaid?
If you were overpaid, you will need to repay the extra amount. Check your Universal Credit account for repayment options.
