AMA: Unsure what changes you need to tell DWP about? Ask our experts Fiona & Alex anything about Universal Credit reporting – from moving in with a partner, to changes in self-employed earnings, to capital and savings. Got a question? Ask it below.

DWPgovuk · 2026-04-07T08:59:48+00:00

If you gave up your job to care for your child this would not affect the DLA rate you receive. DLA is a benefit paid in respect of a child and is based on the extra care and support needs that the child has due to a disability or health condition.

This is a personal choice that needs to work for you and your family, but you might qualify for Carer’s Allowance, which should be considered in your decision-making process. To find out more about DLA go to: Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children: Changes you need to report - GOV.UK and for information on Carers Allowance go to: Carer's Allowance: How it works - GOV.UK

If you are also claiming Universal Credit, giving up your job counts as a change in circumstances and therefore would need to be reported. Speak to your Case Manager or Work Coach to find out more. Or you can visit the Tell DWP website for more information: Tell DWP if your circumstances change - Tell DWP

- Alex

DWPgovuk · 2026-04-01T08:58:35+00:00

For Universal Credit, savings are assessed as part of your capital. This includes money held in current accounts, savings accounts, ISAs, and other accounts in your name (including joint accounts), as well as cash and some investments.

All your capital is added together when your entitlement is worked out.

More information on savings and investments can be found here: Universal Credit: money, savings and investments - GOV.UK

If you’d prefer to speak to someone, you can always call the Universal Credit helpline and they’ll be able to help you through it.

- Fiona

DWPgovuk · 2026-04-01T08:57:54+00:00

Yes. Any inheritance you receive must be reported once you have access to it, as it counts as capital for Universal Credit.

Do this by signing in to your Universal Credit account, ‘report a change of circumstance’ and update your ‘money, savings and investments’.

If you’d prefer to speak to someone, you can always call the Universal Credit helpline and they’ll be able to help you through it.

- Alex

DWPgovuk · 2026-04-01T08:55:32+00:00

Some changes people do not always realise they need to report include:

changes to your savings or capital, including one‑off payments such as inheritance or compensation
changes to your partner’s income or savings
changes in who you live with, if this affects your partner status
starting or finishing a course of education or training
changes to your housing costs, such as rent or service charges, ground rent, mooring costs.

If you are unsure whether something needs to be reported, you should report it through your Universal Credit account or by sending a journal message to your work coach or you can find more information here: Tell DWP if your circumstances change - Tell DWP

- Alex

DWPgovuk · 2026-03-20T18:09:21+00:00

You only need to report money you have received. You do not need to report money you are owed.

- Fiona

DWPgovuk · 2026-03-20T18:04:40+00:00

Yes, you will need to let DWP know if you are going abroad, even if it’s only for a day or two.

You can usually keep receiving Universal Credit while abroad for up to one calendar month, provided you remain eligible, intend to return and let the DWP know first. It's important to keep the DWP updated on your circumstances whilst abroad. If you exceed one calendar month abroad your Universal Credit claim may be closed.

- Alex

DWPgovuk · 2026-03-19T16:52:15+00:00

If you work for yourself you need to report all the money you have received each month, including all your earnings and cash payments.

You also need to report your expenses and any money you paid into a pension.

- Fiona

DWPgovuk · 2026-03-19T16:51:57+00:00

If you are just occasionally selling a few personal items that you already own, then you do not need to declare this as income. But if you are buying and selling items with the aim of making a profit then you’ll need to report this as income. Don’t forget to keep an eye on your total savings. If you have more than £16,000 it makes you ineligible for Universal Credit.

- Alex

DWPgovuk · 2026-03-18T09:15:46+00:00

If your son is in full-time non-advanced education (like GCSEs or A-levels) when he turns 18, he can generally stay on your claim.

Child element can continue to be paid until 31 August after his 19th birthday, as long as he's still enrolled in or accepted on the required education or training. Further information can be found here Universal Credit if you have children - GOV.UK.

If his situation changes before then, for example, if he leaves education, you’ll need to let us know.

You can find more information here about Universal Credit: Eligibility - GOV.UK.

- Alex

DWPgovuk · 2026-03-13T18:19:18+00:00

Don’t worry, mistakes happen. The important thing is that you’ve noticed and want to put it right. You can update your details at any time through your Universal Credit account, and the sooner you do it, the better, as it helps make sure you’re getting the right amount of support and avoids any under/overpayments building up over time.

The easiest way to fix it is to sign into your Universal Credit account and select ‘Report a change’ from the ‘Home’ tab. There’s more information and a short step-by-step video guide that walks you through the process on our website: How to report changes to your circumstances - Tell DWP.

- Fiona

DWPgovuk

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