Change of Circumstances

If you claim housing benefit and something in your life changes, you must write to tell us. Even if you tell the Department for Work and Pensions, you still need to tell the Housing Benefit team too.

The following are examples of changes you must report-

• you stop or start to receive income support / job seekers allowance
• you stop or start work
• your household changes (for example, if someone moves in or out)
• you leave the property
• the amount of your savings and investments changes
• you have a change in income
• someone who lives with you (like a grown-up son or daughter) has a change in their money. This person is called a ‘non-dependent’.

This is not a full list. Lots of other changes in your life can also change your benefit. If something changes and you’re not sure, tell the Benefits team. We will check and let you know.

You must write to us about any changes. But you can call the Benefits team first to tell us what’s changed.