If your circumstances change and this could affect your entitlement to universal credit, you must let the DWP know as soon as you can. You should normally report the change in your online account (see 5 above ). If you do not have an online account, you can do it in writing or by calling the universal credit helpline or service centre; if you are deaf and use British Sign Language, you may be able to use a video relay service. In each case, see 5 above for contact details. If you report the change in writing, keep a copy of the letter.

The effective date of a change of circumstances will normally be the start of the monthly assessment period in which it occurs. However, if the change is one that will increase your award and you report it late, it will normally only apply from the beginning of the assessment period in which you do report it, unless special circumstances apply (see Chapter 55(5) ). In the case of an award of a ‘qualifying benefit’, further b