7.2 Million UK Universal Credit Claimants Risk Fraud, Penalties for Unreported Changes

Universal Credit claimants in the UK must report any changes in their circumstances to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to avoid risking fraud accusations or penalties. Changes such as going abroad, income fluctuations, or household composition must be reported promptly, as failure to do so can lead to overpayments, fines, or court actions. Self-employed claimants face additional complexities due to the Minimum Income Floor rule, which calculates benefits based on a presumed income rather than actual earnings if those fall below a set threshold. Despite the challenges, claimants can access over £17,000 in discounts and freebies annually, including the Household Support Fund, Warm Home Discount, broadband social tariffs, and free school meals. These supports aim to mitigate the cost of living for the approximately six to seven million Universal Credit recipients. Claimants are urged to stay informed and compliant with reporting requirements to ensure they receive the correct payments and avoid legal issues.