Dwp benefit claimants warned to report these 20 changes

Benefits claimants could face heavy fines if they don't inform the DWP about certain changes in their circumstances. Certain changes are needed in order to appropriately assess the

claimant and ensure people are receiving the proper assistance. The Department for Work and Pensions warn that overpayments cost the taxpayer billions each year, and all claimants to check

their details to avoid accidental overpayments and inadvertent fines. Beyond a fine, failing to update the DWP in an appropriate amount of time could result in a claimant's payments

being suspended, terminated, or delayed. Changes in circumstance count for both the adult claimant and, in cases of Child Benefit, the child also. WHAT CHANGES SHOULD YOU INFORM THE DWP

ABOUT? * Any changes to your medical condition or disability * Your income going up or down * People moving into or out of the place you live (for example your partner, a child or lodger) *

Moving house * Having a baby * Changing your name or gender * Starting or stopping education, training or an apprenticeship * Changing your doctor * Changes to other money you get (for

example student loans or grants, sick pay or money you get from a charity) * The death of your partner or someone you live with * Changes to your pension, savings, investments or property *

Starting or stopping caring for someone * You or your partner getting back-pay (sometimes called 'arrears') for salary or earnings you're owed * Planning to go abroad for any

length of time * Getting married or divorced * Going into hospital, a care home or sheltered accommodation * Changes to your immigration status, if you're not a British citizen *

Changes to the benefits you or anyone else in your house gets * Starting or ending a civil partnership * Finding or finishing a job, or working different hours While the rate of overpayments

is going down, for the 2024/25 year, the government paid out £8.4 billion more than it should have. While this is down from the previous year, it is still something the government is

actively tackling. When it becomes fraud is if you are aware of changes and knowingly don't report them. Official DWP guidance says: "If you do not report a change or a mistake,

you might be paid too much. If you are, you might have to pay some of the money back. You might also have to pay a £50 penalty." It adds: "If you deliberately do not report

changes, you're committing benefit fraud." Meanwhile, guidance for Child Benefit says: "If you claim Child Benefit you also need to report changes to your child's

circumstances." DWP Transformation Minister Andrew Western said: "This Government made a manifesto commitment that it will safeguard taxpayers' money and not tolerate fraud or

waste anywhere in public services. "With welfare benefits paid to around 24 million people, the welfare system is a deliberate target for both organised crime groups and opportunistic

individuals and it is vital that the Government continues to robustly tackle fraud to ensure support goes to those who need it most. "We are taking further steps to minimise error,

ensuring the right people are paid the right amount at the right time." These measures are included for people who pass away as well. If a family member on benefits passes, it can

sometimes take some time for the systems to catch up. Informing the DWP through the Tell Us Once service, which can alert most government organisations as needed. Information on the

government website can help inform you which changes you need to report and who you need to report them to.