Brits are being warned that failure to notify the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) of specific changes could lead to their payments being suspended. Latest figures from the DWP show that by the end of December, around 8.4 million individuals across England, Scotland and Wales were receiving Universal Credit, regardless of employment status.

This means-tested benefit is usually paid monthly, although those living in Scotland may get payments fortnightly.

However, many claimants are unaware that not informing the DWP of certain changes in circumstances could impact their entitlement or payment levels and, in some cases, lead to financial penalties or legal action.

As reported by the Daily Record, almost 20 different changes must be reported, including acquiring a new mobile number or email address, switching to a different bank account, moving to a new address and experiencing rent increases or decreases.

Official DWP guidance available 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."

According to DWP guidance on GOV.UK, reporting changes in circumstances is essential to ensure you continue receiving the correct monthly amount.

The guidance emphasises that changes must be reported "as soon as they happen" as any postponement "may mean you receive too much money and will have to make a repayment".

The DWP cautions: "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

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

Use a benefits calculator or speak with your work coach to find out how getting a job or an increase in your earnings might affect your Universal Credit claim.

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

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.