Change in circumstances

You must let us know straight away if your circumstances change or if you know your circumstances are going to change (up to 13 weeks before the change is due to happen).

How to report a change in your circumstances

Some changes can be reported by telephone on (020) 8825 7829.  This is the quickest way to report a change.  Landlords reporting suspected overpayments of Housing Benefit must still do so in writing.

You can also report changes by printing out the change in circumstances form (pdf), complete it and returning it to:
Benefits service, PO Box 32251, Ealing, London W5 5XA. You can also contact us to request a form.

Please note: You may be asked to provide written confirmation and documentary evidence of any change in your circumstances that you report.

Changes that must be reported

Below are examples of changes that tenants must report and landlords also if they become aware of a change in their tenant’s circumstances.

If you receive Guaranteed Pension Credit you only need to advise us of the following:

• change of address - if you rent a room or rooms this includes a change of room or rooms within the same property.  You will need to complete a change of address form (pdf)  
• any changes in your tenancy, including increases in your rent, unless you are a local authority tenant (documentary evidence required)
• any change in the circumstances of a non-dependant who normally lives with you or if a non-dependant comes to live with you
• if you are absent from your home including stays in hospital, or are likely to be absent for more than 13 weeks

If you receive only the Savings Credit of Pension Credit you need to inform us of the above changes plus:

• change of address - if you rent a room or rooms this includes a change of room or rooms within the same property.  You will need to complete a change of address form (pdf)   
• any changes in your savings and investments which do or could take them above £16,000 (documentary evidence required)
• if your partner has joined or left your household

For everyone else you must, in addition to the above changes, report the following:

• change of address - if you rent a room or rooms this includes a change of room or rooms within the same property.  You will need to complete a change of address form (pdf)   
• if you or your partner start or stop claiming any state benefit such as Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance, Employment Support Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, Working and Child Tax Credits.
• if you or your partner or other people who occupy your dwelling as their home, start or stop working or get a pay rise or an increase in a private pension
• if someone else moves into or leaves your home, a child leaves school or starts university
• if you or a member of your household is temporarily absent from home