By Fiona Callingham,Linda Howard,Liv Clarke

Copyright manchestereveningnews

Brits who receive benefits could have them reduced or stopped if they fail to contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in certain circumstances. The millions of Brits who received them need to report any chances or mistake, or they risk their benefits being reduced, stopped and could even be issued a fine. Benefits are currently delivered to millions of people across the UK. These financial assistance schemes are designed to support those who are unemployed or earning low wages, or who are unable to work due to chronic health issues or disabilities, The Mirror reports. But many recipients may be unaware that they must notify the DWP when specific changes in circumstances occur, and failure to do so could result in reduced payments or complete cessation. In certain situations, you must contact the relevant DWP department straight away, as reported by the Daily Record. Never miss a story with the MEN’s daily Catch Up newsletter – get it in your inbox by signing up here The official DWP guidance explains: “If you do not report a change or a mistake, you might be paid too much. If you are, you might have to pay some of the money back. You might also have to pay a £50 penalty. If you deliberately do not report changes, you’re committing benefit fraud.” Generally, you should reach out to the relevant department. If you are in receipt of multiple benefits, you’ll need to contact each respective department individually to report changes. Full details with direct links to each department can be found on GOV.UK here . The DWP is increasing its efforts against benefit fraud, with the new Fraud, Error and Recovery Bill confirmed to come into effect from 2026. These measures, according to the DWP, will save £1.5 billion of taxpayers’ money over the subsequent five years. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE For more of today’s top stories, click here.