Pension Credit: If you’re receiving Pension Credit, it’s crucial to know that you must immediately report certain changes in your living circumstances to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Failure to do so could result in your benefits being stopped or reduced, and could also be considered benefit fraud.
The amount of Pension Credit is based on your personal and financial circumstances. Therefore, any changes that affect your income, savings, or lifestyle must be reported to the DWP. In some cases, these changes may even increase the amount of your Pension Credit.
Here’s a list of 10 key changes you must report to the DWP:
Change of residence: Moving to a new home or moving to a new address.
Partner status: Starting or ceasing to live with a partner. Special note: If you move in with a partner under State Pension Age, your Pension Credit may stop (with some exceptions).
Death of partner: If your partner, who is included in your claim, dies.
Employment status: Starting, changing, or leaving a job.
Health-related changes: Being admitted to a hospital or moving to a care home.
Change in family structure: A new member joins your household or a member leaves.
Personal details: Changing your name, bank account, or Post Office card account.
Foreign travel: Moving out of England, Scotland, or Wales for any period (such as holidays).
Childcare: Starting or stopping care for a child or young person under the age of 20.
Immigration status: If you are not a British citizen, any change in your immigration status.
Changes in financial circumstances:
In addition to these, the following changes to your income or expenses must also be reported to the DWP:
Changes in housing costs (rent, service charges).
Changes to the benefits of someone living in your household.
Changes to an occupational or personal pension, such as the start of a new pension or a lump sum withdrawal.
Any other income, such as a foreign pension.
Significant changes to savings, investments, or assets.
Fact check:
The DWP clearly states that Pension Credit beneficiaries must immediately report any changes to their circumstances. Visit the GOV.UK website for official information.
If you’re unsure:
If you’re unsure about whether or not to report a change, the safest course of action is to call the Pension Credit helpline for advice. This can help avoid any misunderstandings or interruptions to benefits.