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Benefits - reporting changes in circumstances

Any benefit you are awarded is calculated using the information provided on your initial application form. If any of this information changes while you are still receiving benefit you must inform us within a month of the change, so we can recalculate your entitlement.

Report a change online

Examples of changes you should inform us include:

change in your earnings
change in your tax credits
there is a new baby in the family
a new partner moves in
there is an increase in your rent
you move house
your income or the income of someone living with you changes
your savings increase

If you are unsure whether you need to report a change please contact us for advice.

If you don't report a change

If a change isn't reported and it reduces the amount awarded it will create an overpayment on your application which must be paid back. When an overpayment is generated an account is opened by our overpayment officer.

Normally the overpayment will be recovered by making deductions from your entitlement. Where this isn't possible a payment plan may be agreed with our overpayment team. If you default on this arrangement you could be summonsed to appear in court.

Increases will be paid from the Monday following the change if you report it to us within one month of the change date.

For more information contact the benefits team online or call 01993 861030