The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) supports around 23.7 million people with benefits across the UK, but a significant number might be unaware of their duty to declare any changes in circumstances to keep receiving the right assistance.

Failure to promptly notify the DWP of any changes could result in a suspension, termination, or reduction of their claim. The official advice is unambiguous: "If you do not report a change or a mistake, you might be paid too much. If you are, you might have to pay some of the money back. You might also have to pay a £50 penalty."

Additionally, the department underscores: "If you deliberately do not report changes, you're committing benefit fraud." Furthermore, it states: "If you claim Child Benefit you also need to report changes to your child's circumstances."

To report the passing of someone who was receiving State Pension or other benefits, the 'Tell Us Once' service can be utilised - more information is available

You should generally reach out to the specific department that manages and provides your benefit to report a change. It's crucial to note that if you receive multiple benefits, each department must be informed separately about any alterations, reports .

• All other benefits - Report changes by calling Jobcentre Plus, you will need to have your National Insurance number when you call
• Disability benefits - Call the Disability Service Centre to report changes if you get Disability Living Allowance (DLA), or Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Attendance Allowance - Call the Attendance Allowance helpline
• Pension Credit - Call the Pension Service helpline or report changes by post
• Universal Credit - Report changes using your Universal Credit online account if you have one or contact the Universal Credit helpline
• Carer's Allowance - Report a change online or call the Carer's Allowance Unit
• Child Benefit - Report changes using the Child Benefit online service or call or
• write to the Child Benefit Office
• Housing Benefit - Report a change to your local council

Comprehensive information with direct links to each department is accessible on GOV.UK When touching upon the topic of benefits, DWP Transformation Minister Andrew Western voiced his amazement at the "staggering" figure that shows over £9 billion in benefit overpayments has occurred because of fraud and error.

Meanwhile, the DWP's fresh statistics reveal that approximately £1.2 billion in benefits were underpaid over the same period.

Fraud accounted for a substantial £6.5 billion of the total overpayments for the year ending in March, marking a decline from the £7.3 billion reported in the previous year.

Overpayment errors caused by claimant mistakes have risen, resulting in a jump to £1.9 billion, up from £1.6 billion last year, while overpayments due to official errors edged up to £1 billion from £0.8 billion.

The DWP cites inaccurate income reporting as the leading reason for fraudulent overpayments, followed by not declaring living with a partner, and misreporting financial assets or capital.

About £1.1 billion has been recouped by the Department from the overpaid amount this past year, which includes recovering £0.4 billion each from Housing Benefit and Universal Credit.

In his statement alongside these numbers late last week, Mr Western said: "This Government made a manifesto commitment that it will safeguard taxpayers' money and not tolerate fraud or waste anywhere in public services.

"With welfare benefits paid to around 24 million people, the welfare system is a deliberate target for both organised crime groups and opportunistic individuals and it is vital that the Government continues to robustly tackle fraud to ensure support goes to those who need it most.

"We are taking further steps to minimise error, ensuring the right people are paid the right amount at the right time."