Brits who are claiming Universal Credit have been warned of the DWP's rules when it comes to changes in personal circumstances. The department has reminded claimants of the guidelines for declaring such changes and why it is important with potential fines of £5,000 for those who fail to do so. Failing to notify the DWP of these changes is considered a criminal offence. People who do not report these changes can have their benefits completely stopped.

Universal Credit is calculated based on a person's personal circumstances, based on a number of factors. If these circumstances change, then it may change what you are entitled to claim. This is why the DWP must be informed of any changes to your circumstances and failing to declare these changes may result in a hefty fine and being taken to court. There are 18 personal circumstances that the DWP should be made aware of if any changes happen.

People claiming Universal Credit need to tell the DWP if any of the following changes occur:

• Looking for or finishing a job
• Having a child
• Moving in with a partner
• Starting to care for a child or disabled person
• Claimant's child stopping or restarting education or training, if they are aged between 16 and 19
• A new mobile phone number or email address
• Moving to a new address
• Going outside Great Britain for any length of time, if a claimant lives there
• Going outside Northern Ireland for any length of time, if a claimant lives there
• Changing bank details
• A claimant's rent going up or down
• Changes to the claimant's health condition
• Becoming too ill to work or meet a work coach
• If a medical professional has said you’re nearing the end of life
• Changes to a claimant's earnings (only if they are self-employed)
• Changes to a claimant's savings, investments and how much money you have
• Changes to a claimant's immigration status, if they are not a British citizen.

When these changes are not declared, then claimants may be brought in by the DWP for "interview under caustion".

This interview, which will be recorded, can then be used in a criminal investigation if things get to that stage. Additionally, any money that has been fond to be overpaid will need to be repaid by the claimant.

Fines for such a crime start at £350 and go as high as £5,000. If claimants believe that they have made a genuine mistake then any rulings can be appealed. There are advisors offered by the DWP that can help with this.