How to avoid simple mistakes that could result in your benefits being stopped
MILLIONS of Brits rely on the benefits system to cover essential costs, but simple mistakes could result in their payments being stopped.
A failure to update the benefits office of a change in circumstances - such as name, gender, job or address - could put payments on pause.
As well as alterations to basic personal information such as your name or address, there are a whole range of other changes that need to be reported.
Your benefits could be stopped if you forget to update your doctor's details when you switch surgeries.
Claimants also need to let the government know if they start or stop education, have a baby, or get married or divorced.
Another simple mistake you could make includes failing to inform the benefit office if you're planning to go abroad for any length of time.
As well as the threat of your benefits being stopped, there is also a risk that you could be paid too much - which you will then have to repay.
If the government thinks you failed to notify them of a change on purpose, resulting in an overpayment, you could be investigated for benefit fraud.
This could be the Department for Work and Pensions, HMRC, the Service and Personnel and Veterans Agency or your local authority.
Some of your benefits could be stopped while you're investigated, and you'll get a letter informing you if this happens.
Only sanctionable benefits can be docked or paused if you're accused of benefit fraud.
How to update your personal details
To avoid running into difficulties with your benefit payments, you should keep on top of updating any changes to your personal details.
People who claim Pension Credit should contact thehelpline or report changes by post.
The is the organisation that you should report changes to if you get Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment.
If you get housing benefit you should
Contact to report changes for all other benefits. You'll need your national insurance number when you call.
To report the death of a benefit claiment, you can use the government's
What to do if your benefits are stopped
If your benefits are stopped you could branch for advice.
However, you will have to pay this emergency loan back.
You could also be referred to a food bank to help you with meals.
If you think you've been sanctioned unfairly, or disagree with a decision about your payment, you can ask for a mandatory reconsideration.
On the other hand, if you've been overpaid because of a failure to inform the benefit office of a change in circumstances, you will have to return the cash.
Thousands of self-employed workers on Universal Credit could see their payments cut this month as the minimum income floor is reintroduced.
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