When you made a claim for Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit (or both), you signed a declaration that said you would let us know in writing about any change of circumstance for you or anyone living with you that could affect your claim. This leaflet explains what you should do if you think there has been a change of circumstance in your home.

…about any change of circumstance, for example:

• if you move home;
• if someone moves in or out;
• if your income changes;
• if your rent changes;
• if you qualify for another benefit;
• if you stop getting Income Support or Jobseeker's Allowance;
• if anyone living in your home has a change of circumstance.

Any delay in telling us could seriously affect your benefit.

Changes that could reduce your benefit
You may have to repay any overpaid benefits if you delay or fail to tell us about a change in circumstance.

Changes that could increase your benefit
Normally any change in circumstance that may increase your benefit will start from the date you tell us, not the date it happened.

Fill in the form, attached to leaflet at the top of this page, completing all questions, and send it to the address on the back of the leaflet.

For example

• a letter from your landlord telling you of a change in your rent or a new tenancy agreement;
• your latest payslips or pension slips to show the new amount you get as wages, pension or pension credit;
• a letter from the Department of Works and Pensions or Inland Revenue showing changes in your allowances or tax credits;
• a letter from the Benefits Agency showing changes in your benefits.

If you cannot get proof immediately, send the form and any documents you do have now and send any other proofs as soon as you can.

When sending us proof...
We need original documents, not copies. Either deliver the documents and form by hand, or send them to us. We will return any valuable documents to you by recorded delivery.

The law says you must tell us about any change of circumstance immediately. Please fill in the form found in the leaflet at the top of this page and send it back to us with any proofs that you may have.