DWP Change of Address: How to Update Your Details
Moving home? Here's how to update your address with DWP by phone or post, plus how SlothMove updates DVLA, NHS, council tax and more in one go.
Table of Contents
Who Is the Department for Work and Pensions?
The Department for Work and Pensions is the UK’s largest government department. It is responsible for welfare, state pensions, and child maintenance policy, and it manages benefit claims including State Pension, Universal Credit, Disability Living Allowance, and Personal Independence Payment.
Each of these benefits has its own address update process. Keeping your details current with the right one ensures your payments and correspondence reach you without delay.
Keeping your contact information up to date ensures you receive important communications and benefit payments without interruption.
Why Should You Update Your Address with the DWP?
Updating your address with DWP matters for three reasons.
- Uninterrupted payments. Your benefit payments will keep arriving at the right address without delay.
- Accurate communication. You will receive correspondence about your benefits, policy changes, and any further information DWP needs from you.
- Legal obligation. You must report a change of address as a change in circumstances. Not doing so can affect your claim.
If your address is not updated, you risk missed letters, payment delays, overpayments you may need to repay, and complications with your claim.
When Should You Notify DWP of a Change of Address?
Tell DWP your new address as soon as you know your moving date, and no later than your moving day. Reporting early protects your payments and means your correspondence goes to the right place from day one. Waiting until after you have moved increases the risk of missed letters and delayed payments.
How to Update Your Address with DWP
The way you report your address change depends on which benefit you receive. The sections below cover PIP, DLA, State Pension, and Universal Credit individually. If you are unsure which applies to you, the general contact routes below cover most cases.
Most DWP benefits are updated by phone. Find the right number for your benefit on the official gov.uk change of circumstances page, or in the benefit-specific sections further down this page.
By Post
You can also write to DWP with your change of address. Include your full name, National Insurance number, old address, new address, and the date you moved. Send your letter to the address listed for your specific benefit, since DWP benefits are managed by separate teams.
British Sign Language (Video Relay Service)
If you use British Sign Language, SignVideo connects you with a BSL interpreter by video call, who communicates with DWP staff on your behalf.
DWP phone lines are generally open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. Waiting times can vary, so it is worth calling earlier in the day where possible.
What Information You'll Need
Have the following ready before you call or write, whichever benefit you are updating:
- National Insurance number, to identify your records.
- Full name, as registered with DWP.
- Date of birth, for verification.
- Old address and new address.
- Move date: the date you moved or plan to move.
- Your claim or benefit reference number, if you have one to hand. This speeds up the call.
Having this ready before you call means you are less likely to need a second call.
How Long Does It Take?
Most DWP address changes are processed within a few days to a few weeks. The exact timing depends on which benefit you receive and whether you report the change by phone or by post. Phone updates are generally actioned faster than postal ones.
What Happens If You Don't Update Your Address?
Not updating your address with DWP can lead to:
- Overpayments you must repay. If DWP sends payments based on outdated information, you may need to repay funds you were not entitled to.
- Penalties or legal action. Failing to report a change of address is a failure to report a change in circumstances, which can carry penalties.
- Suspicion of benefit fraud. Deliberately withholding your new address can be treated as an attempt to commit fraud, which can lead to an investigation.
Updating your address as soon as you know your moving date protects both your benefits and your personal information.
Updating Address for Specific DWP Benefits
DWP benefits are managed by separate teams, so updating one does not automatically update another. Find your benefit below.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
PIP address changes can only be made by phone. See our full PIP change of address guide for the number, opening hours, and what to expect.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
DLA address changes are handled by the Disability Service Centre. See our DLA change of address guide for contact details and what you will need.
State Pension
Call The Pension Service at 0800 731 0469 (Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm).
Universal Credit
Universal Credit address changes are usually made through your online Universal Credit account or by contacting your Job Centre. See our Universal Credit change of address guide for the full process.
Who Else Needs to Know You've Moved?
Updating DWP is just one part of your moving checklist. Most people moving home also need to update HMRC, DVLA, the NHS, their council, and their energy and water suppliers.
Update Everything Else in One Go with SlothMove
SlothMove cannot update your DWP benefit for you. That has to be done directly with DWP using the routes above. What SlothMove can do is take care of everything else in one go: HMRC, DVLA, the NHS, council tax, energy, water, TV Licence, and the electoral roll.
Related Guides
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need to tell DWP about a change of address?
Yes. If you receive any DWP benefit, including PIP, DLA, State Pension, or Universal Credit, you must report your new address as soon as possible.
How do I inform DWP of a change of circumstances?
You can report a change of circumstances, including a change of address, by phone or post. The exact route depends on which benefit you receive. See the benefit-specific sections above for the right contact details.
How do I change my address for Disability Living Allowance (DLA)?
Call the Disability Service Centre on 0800 121 4600 to update your DLA address. See our full DLA change of address guide for more detail, including what information to have ready.
Can SlothMove update my address with DWP for me?
No. DWP address changes must be reported directly, by phone, post, or your online account, depending on the benefit. SlothMove updates the other organisations involved in your move, such as HMRC, DVLA, NHS, and your council, in one go.
Does updating my address with DWP also update my Universal Credit or PIP record?
No. Each DWP benefit keeps its own contact route, so updating one does not update another. You will need to update each benefit separately using the sections above.
About SlothMove
SlothMove has helped over 75,000 UK residents update their address across government and private organisations since 2019. We are an ICO-registered data controller, GDPR compliant, and backed by Taylor Rose MW, one of the UK’s leading conveyancing firms. Disclaimer: This information is accurate as of June 2026 and is intended for general guidance about updating your DWP address. For specific information about the DWP process, visit their website or contact them directly. SlothMove is not affiliated the DWP.