If your circumstances change

If your circumstances change you must tell us straight away because it may affect the amount of benefit you get.

If you do not tell us within one month of a change that affects your benefit you may lose out if your benefit is increased. We will usually only pay you the extra benefit from the date that you tell us about the change.

If you do not tell us about a change and you are paid too much benefit, this will create an overpayment and you will have to pay this money back.

What changes must be reported?

There are specific changes that we must be told about promptly:

• There is a change in yours or your partner’s income.
• There is a change in yours or your partner’s savings and capital.
• If you stop getting Income Support, Job Seeker's Allowance or any other Social Security benefits.
• There is a change in your rent.
• You or your partner are moving home.
• You or your partner change jobs.
• If someone moves into or out of your home.
• If anyone living in your home goes away temporarily, such as into hospital or into prison.
• If anyone living in your home starts work, stops work or there is a change in their income.
• Changes that result in Child Benefit ceasing for a dependant.

Who should tell us about a change of circumstances:

• A benefit claimant is always responsible for notifying a change in circumstances, unless they are unable to (for example, they have died).
• The claimant's partner is also responsible for reporting changes.
• People appointed to act on behalf of a claimant are also required to report changes.
• Landlords should also report changes that they could know about, for example if a claimant has moved out or started work.