DWP has issued a warning to people who claim Universal Credit
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an alert to Universal Credit claimants, urging them to “avoid being paid the wrong amount”. The DWP is encouraging certain individuals to contact them “as soon as” specific changes in circumstances occur.
A recent DWP post on X, formerly Twitter, reads: “If you are starting a course or further education, avoid being paid the wrong amount by telling your Work Coach or case manager through your Universal Credit Journal.” Further information on the DWP website explains that the DWP needs the most current information from claimants to ensure they receive the correct payment.
It’s important to keep your information up to date to receive the right amount of financial support and avoid falling into debt. The DWP further adds that outdated information can result in people being underpaid, inadvertently breaking the law, and potentially facing fines or court proceedings.
You might also be overpaid, with this money then needing to be repaid. The DWP adds: “If you receive Universal Credit, it’s part of your ‘claimant commitment’ that you tell us about a change to your circumstances.”
The fastest way to report a change of circumstance, if you’re a Universal Credit claimant, is to log into your UC account and select the “report a change of circumstances” option from the “Home” tab. Alternatively, you can reach out to the DWP via the Universal Credit helpline.