Universal Credit

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Report a change of circumstances

You need to report changes to your circumstances so you keep getting the right amount each month.

You need to report changes as soon as they happen. Any delay may mean you receive too much money and will have to make a repayment.

Changes in your circumstances can affect how much you’re paid for your whole assessment period - not just from the date you report them.

Changes can include:

  • finding or finishing a job
  • having a child
  • moving in with your partner
  • starting to care for a child or disabled person
  • your child stopping or restarting education or training, if they’re aged 16 to 19
  • changing your mobile number or email address
  • moving to a new address
  • going outside Great Britain for any length of time, if you live there
  • going outside Northern Ireland for any length of time, if you live there
  • changing your bank details
  • your rent going up or down
  • changes to your health condition
  • becoming too ill to work or meet your work coach
  • if a medical professional has said you’re nearing the end of life
  • changes to your earnings (only if you’re self-employed)
  • changes to your savings, investments and how much money you have
  • changes to your immigration status, if you’re not a British citizen

You could be taken to court or have to pay a penalty if you give wrong information or do not report a change in your circumstances.

How to report

You can report a change of circumstances by signing in to your Universal Credit account.

If you get a job or increase the hours you work

Use a benefits calculator or speak with your work coach to find out how getting a job or an increase in your earnings might affect your Universal Credit claim.

Most employers will report your earnings for you. You will normally only need to report monthly earnings if you are self-employed.

If you’ve been paid too much

You may have to repay the money if you:

  • did not report a change straight away
  • gave wrong information
  • were overpaid by mistake

Find out how to repay the money you owe from benefit overpayment.

View a printable version of the whole guide

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