Why do I need to tell you if my circumstances change?
The sooner you tell us about any change which may affect your benefit, the quicker we can make sure we pay you the right amount of benefit.
If we don't know your true circumstances you could lose out on benefit you are entitled to or, if we pay you too much benefit we may ask you to pay it back.
What kind of changes do I need to report?
You need to report anything you think could affect your benefit claim. Common changes include:
- Someone moving into, or out of your household.
We'll need to register this person at their new property. You may also need to complete a new benefit claim form depending on the circumstances. We'll be able to advise you when you contact us.
- Change of income, capital or savings.
If you, or anyone else in your household has a change in income, capital or savings (not income support or job seekers allowance) you should contact us immediately. You will need to provide proof of your new circumstances.
If you have started work, but haven't got all the evidence you need, for example, wage slips, do not wait to tell us about the change.
If your job seekers allowance (income based) or income support has stopped you will need to complete and return a new claim form as soon as possible. You should also provide proof of your new income and any savings you may have.
- Your rent going up or down.
If your private rent changes you should tell us. We will need to see evidence of the new charge.
Less common changes include:
- If you go to prison
If you are arrested and detained on remand pending trial, you are still entitled to housing benefit for up to 52 weeks. You should complete a new housing benefit form as soon as possible on entry to the prison to notify us of the fact. This will ensure your benefit continues.
When you are tried, if you are found guilty, we will cancel your benefit if your sentence is more than 13 weeks, or if the sentence awarded, minus time already spent on remand is more than 13 weeks.
You will also be able to claim a council tax discount because of your circumstances. You can download a form called ‘People in detention', complete it and send it to us.
Who's responsible for reporting a change?
In all cases, except where people are claiming through Job Centre Plus, it is your duty to tell us of your new circumstances. If you claim through the Job Centre Plus, it is your responsibility to tell them.
Landlord's also have a responsibility to report any changes they are aware of which may affect benefit payments, such as a tenant leaving their property.
Support for people starting work
You could get an extra 4 weeks help with your rent and council tax if you start working more than 16 hours a week and your income support,
job seekers allowance, incapacity benefit, severe disablement allowance or employment support allowance ends. This is called an 'extended payment'.
The amount of extended payment we can give you will be at the same rate you were getting before your circumstances changed.
To qualify for an extended payment you, or your partner must:
- already get housing benefit, and
- have been getting income support, job seeker's allowance, incapacity benefit, severe disablement allowance or employment support allowance for at least 26 weeks without a break, and
- expect your new job or wages or hours to last for at least five weeks
If you have been getting incapacity benefit, severe disablement allowance or employment support allowance, you must not be getting income support in the week before you start work.
To claim an extended payment, you do not need to fill in a form, but you must tell us:
- you or your partner has, or are about to start work, or you have increased your wages or hours; and
- you expect your new circumstances to last for at least five weeks; and
- your current benefit is ending because of this.
Your extended payment will usually last for 4 weeks. After that you can still claim housing and council tax benefit on a low wage. At this point you will need to give us information about your new circumstances.
