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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released new figures showing that there are now 8.4 million people, both in and out of work, across England, Scotland, and Wales receiving financial support through Universal Credit.

This means-tested benefit is typically paid monthly. However, many Universal Credit claimants may not be aware of certain changes in circumstances which must be reported to the DWP or it could affect their entitlement or payments and in some cases, even lead to a penalty fine or even a court appearance, reports the Daily Record.

There are nearly 20 changes that need to be reported, including getting a new mobile number or email address, switching to a different bank account, moving address and your rent going up or down. DWP guidance on GOV.UK warns: "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."

Change of circumstances you need to report to DWP

DWP guidance on GOV.UK states you need to report changes in your circumstances so that you keep getting the right amount each month. It adds you need to report changes "as soon as they happen" because any delay "may mean you receive too much money and will have to make a repayment".

DWP warns: "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 a job Finishing a job Having a child Moving in with your partner Starting to care for a child Starting to care for a disabled person Your child stopping or restarting education or training, if they're aged 16 to 19 Changing your mobile number Changing your 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 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 How to report a change

The DWP suggests that claimants can report a change of circumstances by signing in to their online Universal Credit account.

If you secure a job or increase your working hours.

You should use a benefits calculator or consult with your work coach to understand how securing a job or an increase in your earnings might affect your Universal Credit claim.

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

If you have received an overpayment from DWP

You may have to repay the money if you:

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

Full details about benefit overpayments can be found on GOV.UK here.