Report a change in benefit circumstances
Benefits are calculated using the information on your initial application form. If any of this information changes while you are still receiving benefits you must let us know within a month of the change. We will then recalculate your entitlement.
Let us know if there are any changes to your situation including:
- change in your income or the income of someone living with you
- change in your tax credits
- a new baby in the family
- a new partner moves in
- an increase in your rent
- you move house
- your savings increase
Report a change in your situation
You can report a change in circumstances online.
Report a change in your circumstancesIf you are not sure if you need to report a change please contact us for advice by:
- emailing [email protected] making sure to include your claim number
- calling 01285 623035
If you report a change within a month of it happening any increases in benefit will be paid from the Monday after the change.
If you do not report a change
If you do not report a change and it reduces the amount of benefits given there will be an overpayment on your application. We will then:
- take the overpayment from your entitlement
- agree a payment plan may be agreed with our overpayment team
If you fail to pay you could be summoned to appear in court.
If it is proved that you knowingly did not report the change, your application could be investigated for benefit fraud.
Claim review
As part of the Housing Benefit Award Accuracy initiative, we are inviting claimants to complete a review of their claim to ensure their entitlement is accurate. If you have received a letter from us asking you to complete an online review form, please fill in the following:
Complete your claim reviewIf you are unable to complete your review online, please contact the benefit team for assistance as per your letter of invitation.