UC: Do I need to report an increase in my work pension?

TimeLord1

Totally agree, Robbie; it seems the AI response and requests are overriding a human agent or job center response in determining if it can just wait. And I think it's a new stance or less staff. I think I had replies within hours last year to any queries.

Robbie64

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81992271#Comment_81992271

Agree with the quick response last year. When I was migrating from IR-ESA to UC in May 2025, I asked a question on my Journal and received an answer within less than 24 hours. It's probably just a lack of staff meaning that it's impossible to answer every query. Hopefully the entries are being read though.

The DWP is trying to change claimant behaviour, by ensuring that claimants timeously report changes by encouraging the correct sort of behaviour. If the claimant isn't getting any feedback from the DWP and is left feeling confused or uncertain, then claimant behaviour will be to just shrug the shoulders and think "why bother?".

huckster

DWP are not recruiting very much, particularly for AO Case Managers. The reason is that DWP plan to save xx % through improvements to processes making more of them automated.

The other factors at this time of year are increase in journal messages in regard to rent changes, rate increases and removal of 2 child cap. Some of which increase the amount of manual processes requiring action. Due to many changes to social rented sector landlords with various mergers taking place around the country there have been issues with the verification process of rent increases, causing more work.