You must tell us about any changes in your money, work, or home life. Changes can affect the amount of Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction you get.
It is quick and easy to report changes online:
Report a change in circumstances
When must you tell us
You must tell us about any change as soon as possible, but no later than one month. Any later and you could miss out on benefits or get too much. See: Overpayments.
What must you tell us
You must tell us about any change and the date it happened. You may be asked to provide supporting evidence.
Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) share some information with us but not all. It is important that you tell us about any change.
If you are not sure, tell us anyway! If you need help, please contact us.
Examples of changes
Tell us if any of the following change:
Housing
- Your address (e.g. if you move).
- The amount of rent you pay (increase or decrease).
- If anyone moves in to or out of your home.
- Property ownership.
- If you are temporarily absent from your home (e.g. staying in hospital).
- A child being born or turning 18.
Money
The following apply to you and any adult who lives with you:
- You start work or change jobs.
- Your wage goes up/down.
- Your private pension goes up/down.
- Your savings go up/down.
- Any existing benefits change or stop.
Overpayments
A change could reduce the amount of help you are entitled to which could lead to an overpayment.
We'll write to you if you've been overpaid and tell you how much you must pay back.