DWP fining 20 groups of Universal Credit claimants £50

The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed 20 changes that claimants must declare - or risk having their benefit payments suspended. Those claiming Universal Credit , along with recipients of other benefits , have been cautioned that they could face a £50 penalty. Since October 2012, the DWP has held the authority to impose a fine on benefit claimants who have received an overpayment as a result of failing to notify authorities of a change in their circumstances, reports Birmingham Live . The 'civil penalty' stands at £50 and will be added on top of the overpayment amount. Turn2Us explains: "If you agree that you have been overpaid but you don't think you should have been given a civil penalty you can challenge the decision to give you a civil penalty. "You will first have to request Mandatory Reconsideration of the decision. "You have one month to request Mandatory Reconsideration. "You should explain why you think you should not have been given a civil penalty. The charity adds: "If the DWP do not change their decision, you can appeal to an Independent Tribunal. "You only have one month from the date of the DWP's decision on your request for Mandatory Reconsideration to request an appeal." Changing your name or gender Finding or finishing a job, or working different hours Your income going up or down Starting or stopping education, training or an apprenticeship Moving house People moving into or out of the place you live (for example your partner, a child or lodger) The death of your partner or someone you live with Having a baby Starting or stopping caring for someone Getting married or divorced Starting or ending a civil partnership Planning to go abroad for any length of time Going into hospital, a care home or sheltered accommodation Any changes to your medical condition or disability Changing your doctor Changes to your pension, savings, investments or property Changes to other money you get (for example student loans or grants, sick pay or money you get from a charity) Changes to the benefits you or anyone else in your house gets You or your partner getting back-pay (sometimes called ‘arrears’) for salary or earnings you’re owed Changes to your immigration status, if you’re not a British citizen Fore more information about how to report a change in circumstance and when, visit the gov.uk website.