Understanding Changes in Your Universal Credit Claim
When you claim Universal Credit, it’s your responsibility to keep your details accurate and up to date. Reporting any changes in your circumstances as soon as they happen is essential. This helps make sure you get the correct amount of support and reduces the risk of delays or overpayments, which you may have to pay back later.
Common changes that can affect your Universal Credit claim include:
Changes to your income, such as starting or finishing a job, changes in your salary, or getting other benefits
Moving home, changes to your rent, or changes in who you live with
Family changes, like having a baby, getting married, or someone moving in or out of your household
Changes in your health or your ability to work
Promptly updating your claim means your payments will be adjusted to reflect your new circumstances, keeping your support accurate. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) uses the information you provide to assess your entitlement under the rules set out in the Welfare Reform Act 2012 and related regulations.
The process for updating your Universal Credit claim is straightforward: you report changes through your Universal Credit online account or by contacting the DWP. Keeping your information current not only helps you avoid any issues but also ensures you continue to receive the right support for your situation.
To understand more about how changes can affect your Universal Credit payments, visit our overview on while you’re on Universal Credit.
What Changes Must You Report?
When you’re receiving Universal Credit, it’s important to report any changes in your circumstances as soon as possible. You must let the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) know about changes such as:
A change in your income, either from work or other sources
Starting or finishing a job, or changes to your working hours
Moving home or changes to your housing situation
Changes in who lives with you, such as a partner moving in or out, or having a child
Changes in your health or ability to work
Each of these changes can affect how much Universal Credit you receive. For example, a new job or increased earnings might reduce your payment, while changes in your rent or family size can increase what you’re entitled to. Reporting changes promptly helps you avoid overpayments or delays, and ensures you get the correct amount of support.
For a full list of which changes need to be reported, and to understand how each type of change could impact your payments, you can refer to the Universal Credit Regulations 2013, Regulation 8.
If you’re unsure whether a change in your circumstances will affect your Universal Credit, you can check if a change affects your Universal Credit for detailed guidance.
How to Report Changes to Your Universal Credit Claim
When your circumstances change, it’s important to let Universal Credit know as soon as possible so your payments stay accurate. You can report most changes through your online Universal Credit account, by calling the Universal Credit helpline, or by visiting your local Jobcentre Plus.
When reporting a change, you’ll need to provide details about what has changed – such as your income, living situation, work status, or family circumstances. Be ready to give dates, names, and any relevant documents if asked.
Under the Universal Credit Regulations 2013, you must report any changes that could affect your claim “as soon as reasonably practicable.” This usually means within a few days of the change happening. Delays in reporting could lead to overpayments, underpayments, or even penalties.
Always keep a record of when and how you reported the change, including any confirmation messages or reference numbers you receive. This can help resolve any issues if there are questions about your claim later on.
Impact of Changes on Your Universal Credit Payments
When your circumstances change, your Universal Credit payments can go up or down depending on the type of change and how it affects your entitlement. Common changes include increases or decreases in your earnings, starting or stopping work, changes in your living arrangements, or changes to your family, such as having a child or someone moving in or out of your home.
For example, if your earnings go up, your Universal Credit payment may decrease, as the benefit is designed to adjust based on your income. Conversely, if your earnings fall or you lose your job, your payment could increase to help cover your living costs. To understand more about the specific effects of work and income changes, see how employment affects Universal Credit.
Other changes, such as moving home, starting or ending a relationship, or changes in childcare costs, can also impact your payments. These changes are assessed according to rules set out in the Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2014, which explain how and when your payments are adjusted.
After you report a change, there may be a short delay while your new circumstances are assessed and your payment is updated. It’s important to report changes as soon as possible to avoid being overpaid or underpaid.
If your Universal Credit is reduced or stopped because of a change, you have options. You can find out what steps to take and what support is available if your Universal Credit is reduced or stopped. This can help you understand your rights and what to do next if you disagree with a decision or need further assistance.
Special Considerations for Employment and Earnings Changes
When your employment or earnings change, it can directly affect how much Universal Credit you receive. This includes starting or leaving a job, getting a pay rise, or changes to your working hours. Universal Credit is designed to adjust based on your income, so it’s important to keep your details up to date to avoid underpayments or overpayments.
If you’re employed, you must report any changes in your job status or earnings as soon as possible. This includes if you get a new job, lose your job, receive a pay rise, or your hours change. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) usually collects earnings information automatically from employers through the PAYE system, but you are still responsible for making sure your information is correct and reporting any changes not picked up automatically. For more detailed guidance, see getting a job or pay rise while on Universal Credit.
If you’re self-employed, the rules are different. You must report your earnings and expenses each month, providing accurate figures for your business income. Universal Credit payments for self-employed people are calculated differently, sometimes using a “Minimum Income Floor” if you’ve been self-employed for more than 12 months. For more information, see Universal Credit payments if you’re self-employed and guidance on reporting self-employed earnings if you get Universal Credit.
Accurate and timely reporting is essential. Failing to report changes in your employment or earnings could result in being paid too much, which you may have to pay back, or too little, which could affect your financial support. Always update your Universal Credit account as soon as your circumstances change to ensure you receive the correct payments.
Changing Your Claimant Commitment
Your claimant commitment is a personalised agreement you make with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) when you claim Universal Credit. It sets out what you need to do to keep receiving your payments, such as looking for work or taking part in training. This agreement is legally binding under the Universal Credit Regulations 2013 and is tailored to your circumstances.
If your situation changes – such as starting a new job, becoming unwell, or taking on caring responsibilities – you may need to update your claimant commitment. It’s important to do this as soon as possible to make sure your responsibilities reflect your current situation and to avoid any issues with your payments.
For a step-by-step guide on when and how you can update your responsibilities, what to expect when discussing changes with your work coach, and how it might affect your payments or work requirements, see our dedicated page on changing your claimant commitment. This will help you understand your rights and the process for making updates.
You can also find practical guidance and support on the Claimant Commitment page from Citizens Advice.
Managing Financial Challenges and Support Options
If your Universal Credit payments change and you find it hard to manage your finances, there are several support options to help you through challenging times.
If you’re struggling to cover essential costs, you may be able to apply for a budgeting advance. This is an interest-free loan from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that can help with unexpected expenses like emergency household costs or starting a new job. Find out more about getting a Universal Credit budgeting advance, including eligibility criteria and how to apply.
For those experiencing debt or falling behind with rent payments, it’s important to seek support early. Universal Credit claimants can access help with debt and rent arrears on Universal Credit, which offers advice and practical assistance to manage repayments and avoid further financial difficulties.
If you have children, you might be entitled to extra financial help through Universal Credit. Learn more about help if you have children, including childcare costs and additional elements that could increase your payment.
Those who are unwell or have a disability may qualify for additional support. See our guide on getting Universal Credit if you’re sick or disabled to understand what extra help is available and how to claim it.
Universal Credit can also help with your housing costs, such as rent or some service charges. For more details on what support you can get and how to apply, visit help with housing.
Remember, reporting changes in your circumstances promptly is crucial to ensure you receive the correct amount of Universal Credit and avoid overpayments or interruptions to your support.
