Change of Circumstances

When you make a claim for Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Benefit you will then have a duty to make sure that you tell us about any changes in circumstances affecting you and your family (or anyone else living in your household).

The reason you must notify us of these changes is to make sure that you are getting the correct amount of benefit.

If you fail to advise us of certain changes in circumstances it can sometimes result in you being overpaid or underpaid benefit. it is in your interest to avoid overpayments because they are almost always recovered and this may cause you hardship.

It is, therefore, very important that you notify us of any changes in your circumstances as soon as they happen and provide original documentary proof.

Examples of the type of changes we need to know are:

• If you cease to be entitled to Pension Credit/Income Support / Jobseekers Allowance (Income Based) regardless of why and even if it only stops for a short period
• any increase or decrease in your familys income (this could be earnings, benefits, pensions and other income)
• If you start work or start a new job
• any significant change in your capital
• any changes in the rent you pay
• If you change address (this includes a change of room within the same building)
• If you are going to be away from your address e.g. you go into hospital, or custody or take an extended holiday.
• If someone comes to live with you
• If someone living with you leaves
• If there is a change in the income of the person(s) living with you
• If a dependant child leaves school or college and Child Benefit ceases
• If your child care charges change or end

Whatever the change, please tell us in writing. if in doubt please let us know.

Important Note

All changes of circumstances need to be reported within 1 month of the change. Failure to do so may result in a loss of entitlement. This would mean that you could miss out on benefit that is owed to you.

If you are in any doubt and would like more information please feel free to contact a member of staff in the Benefits section.