Housing

Change of Circumstances

"We aim to pay the right amount of benefit, to the right people at the right time"

Why must I tell you about changes?

Your benefit is calculated by using the information you gave us on your application form. If these details change, the amount of benefit you receive can be affected.

When should I tell you?

If the change means that you're entitled to more benefit, within a month. If you don't do this, you could lose benefit. If the change means you're entitled to less benefit, you must tell us as soon as possible.
If we're paying you too much benefit, you'll be asked to pay it back.

What changes should I tell you about?

Family Changes:

Your partner moves in
You get married
You or your partner has a baby
Your child leaves school
You stop receiving Child Benefit

Income Changes:

Increase or decrease in earnings
Increase or decrease in savings
Income Support/Job Seekers stops
You start work

Household changes:

Someone moves in
Someone moves out
You take in a lodger
You sub let part of your house
You move house

The above are only examples. If you're in any doubt about whether you should report a change, please ask.

I am thinking of moving, what should I do?

Before agreeing to accept and sign for a new tenancy, check with your notice period with your current landlord. If your rent is due monthly, 4 weeks is the usual notice period.

Housing Benefit can normally only be paid at one address. Unless it is unavoidable for you to hold 2 tenancies, you may liable for the the rent on one of the properties.

When you make an application for Housing Benefit at a new address, you are cancelling your existing claim.

How do I tell you about changes?

Please use the form below to inform us of any change of circumstances so that any change in your benefit can be calculated as soon as possible.

Download the Housing Benefit - Change of Cirumstances form (.pdf 54KB)

(You may find it useful to read our Help before downloading information.)

This page last updated: 01/05/2007