Housing Systems: Combating poverty and sustaining tenancies.
Search
Changes in Circumstances: What's Changed?
KEY FACTS

  • Nearly all changes that could affect someone's entitlement to UC have to be reported- with the exception of employed (but not self employed) earnings where paid by PAYE as these are sent from HMRC via "Real Time Information" (RTI).

  • There are strict time limits on when changes must be reported - especially starting and ending work.

  • A change that increases entitlement (a beneficial change) must be reported to DWP within the Monthly Assessment Period in which it occurs, to increase entitlement from that Monthly Assessment Period. Otherwise it only increases from the Monthly Assessment Period in which it is reported - click here.

  • However the DWP can be asked to use their discretion if there are exceptional reasons for the delay. Standard letter UCCC1. (Note - claimant would normally make this request through their online UC account.)

  • A change that decreases entitlement (a detrimental change) will reduce the award with effect from the Monthly Assessment Period in which it occurs, causing potential overpayments.

  • Some- but not all - changes in circumstance for people on legacy benefits will trigger the need to claim UC. More here.

  • How a change affects a claimant's UC award will depend on what has changed - click on the links below to find out more.


9

9

9

9

9

Useful Tools