Changes in Circumstances

Whilst you are getting benefit you must tell us straight away if any of your circumstances change, and if any of the circumstances of anyone living with you change.

Tell us straight away if:

  • Your income or the income of anyone living with you changes.  Income can include:-
    • Changes in your wages including changes to your hours, hourly rate and changes in shift patterns
    • Social Security benefits such as Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, Carers Allowance and Pension Credits.
    • Working Tax Credits and Child Tax Credits.  Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs Tax Credit Department will not tell us about any changes you have, it is up to you to do so. 
    • Maintenance or Child Support Payments.
    • Private Pensions and Works Pensions, from the UK or abroad.
    • Any other income.
  • Anyone moves into or out of your home (including lodgers and subtenants).
  • You move home.
  • You or your partner are going to be away from home for more than 13 weeks.
  • Any of your children leave school, leave home or stop getting Child Benefit (we will also need to know if they start training or work).
  • You or your partners savings or investments change.
    • For people aged under 60, a change of more than £250.
    • For people aged over 60, a change of more than £500.
    • This can include receiving an inheritance, money from a house sale, endowment policy, compensation payment, or insurance policy.
  • You, or anyone living with you:
    • Becomes a student
    • Goes on a Government training scheme
    • Goes into hospital
    • Goes into a nursing home
    • Goes into prison (whether sentenced or on remand)
    • Starts work, finishes work or changes jobs.
    • Your rent changes.  
  • You receive any decision from the Home Office.
  • ANYTHING changes.

If you are unsure what you should tell us about, please contact Customer Services on (01325) 388514. 

If you report a change, which results in you getting more benefit, we will amend your benefit from the Monday after the change happened, but only if you tell us within one month of the change happening.  If you tell us late, your benefit will only be amended from the Monday after you tell us.
 
If the change results in you getting less benefit, we will amend your benefit from the Monday after the change happened.  If you delay in telling us about the change, you will be responsible for any overpayment.