It is very important that you let us know immediately if you have a change in your circumstances as you may receive too little or too much benefit.
If you delay telling us about changes in your circumstances it could result in you being overpaid benefit. In most cases, overpayments are recoverable from you.
You can tell us about any changes in your circumstances by telephone or in writing. You need to provide details of the change, the date that the change occurred and proof where appropriate.
Examples of the type of changes we need to know are;
- Changes to you or your partner's income or capital
- Changes to the income of any non-dependents or any other adults who live with you.
- If you, your partner or any other adult in the household stop receiving Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance or any other benefits.
- Changes in the number of people living with you.
- If any of your children leave school or college or you stop receiving Child Benefit for them.
- If someone in your household starts work.
- If the rent you pay your landlord changes.
- If you move to different accommodation (this includes a change of room within the same building).
- If you are absent from your home for any reason, even if you are still being charged rent and intend to return there.
- If the child care you pay for changes, or ends, or if you start to pay for child care for the first time
This list does not cover every possible change of circumstance that may occur. Whatever the change, please tell us in writing.
Please Note
If you do not report changes in your circumstances promptly you may lose benefit. If the change would mean that you would be entitled to more benefit and you do not report this within one month, your benefit will usually only be altered from when you told us about the change.If you are in any doubt and would like more information please contact the Council.
Related Websites
Contact Benefits Service
- Tel: 01803 207201
- Email: housing.benefits@torbay.gov.uk
- Fax: 01803 292866
