It is your responsibility to tell the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about any changes in your situation, as these may mean a change to the amount of Universal Credit you receive or what is expected of you.
Changes can include:
- finding or finishing a job
- having or caring for a child
- a change to your address
- becoming ill
- a change in your health condition
- a change to your banking details
- your rent payments going up or down
- a partner joining or leaving the home you rent and live in
There may be other changes that are not listed above.
If there are any changes in your situation talk to your work coach or contact Universal Credit to see if they will affect your payments or what you are expected to do. Any changes in your circumstance regarding your health or caring commitments may affect your claimant commitment.
Find out more at GOV.UK: How your earnings affect your payments
If your income fluctuates or you self-report your earnings, this may also affect your award. HMRC and the DWP share information about your income but you should always report any changes to your income.
Reporting a change in circumstances
Watch a video by the DWP on how to report a change of circumstances:
If you need help or support to report a change of circumstances or health condition please contact our Universal Credit Support Team.
Changes in your health
You can self certify for up to the first seven days of your claim by notifying Universal Credit that you have a health condition, which prevents you from working. From the eighth day, if your condition persists and if you have not already done so, you will need to submit medical evidence (a FIT note).
Reporting this change in your health should start the Work Capability Process and a UC50 form will be issued to you within three months for completion.
Our Universal Credit Support Team can assist you with this.
Find out more at GOV.UK: Health conditions, disability and Universal Credit.