Change of circumstances

When you made a claim for Housing or Council Tax Benefit (or both), you signed a declaration that said that you would let us know in writing about any change of circumstance for you or anyone living with you that could affect your claim.

What changes do I need to tell you about?

We need to know about any change of circumstance, for example:

• if you move home;
• if someone moves in or out;
• if your income changes
• if your rent changes (unless you are a council tenant);
• if you qualify for another benefit;
• if you stop getting Income Support or Jobseeker's Allowance;
• if anyone living in your home has a change of circumstance.

This is not a full list. If you are not sure whether to tell us something, just ask us.

We need to know about any change within one calendar month of the change.

Why do I need to tell you straight away?

Any delay in telling us about a change could result in loss of benefit.  You may have to repay any overpaid benefits if you delay or fail to tell us about a change in circumstance.

Normally any change in circumstance that may increase your benefit will start from the day you tell us, not the date it happened.

What proof of the change do I need to provide?

In most cases we will need to see original supporting documents such as a letter from your landlord if advising of a rent increase or wage slips if your wages have changed. 

If you cannot supply supporting documents immediately do not delay telling us of the change. 

How should I tell you?

You can visit us one of out Local Service Shops.

You can phone us using the contact details on the right of this page. Our phone lines open at 8.30am and close at 6pm Monday to Friday, except Thursday when they open at 10am.

Page last reviewed 13 Feb 2008