Keeping your benefit claim right
Why you need to tell us about changes
The law says you must tell us if there is any change to the information we have used to decide on your entitlement to Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and education benefits.
You must write to us about these changes:
- from the moment you've filled in your claim form, even if you're still waiting to hear from us
- straightaway - as soon as the change happens
- even if you've told someone else like Jobcentre Plus, the Pension Service or your landlord
If you delay telling us:
- we may pay you too much benefit and you'll have to pay it back
- we may not pay you extra for past weeks if you take too long to tell us about something that would give you more benefit
- you could face criminal charges
Don't leave it until the next time we contact you.
Tell us straightaway - there is a form to print out and fill in to tell us about general changes on page 6 below, but see the other pages for more information first.
Contents of Keeping your benefit claim right
- Why you need to tell us about changes (this page)
- What you need to tell us about
- What you need to tell us about if you get Pension Credit
- Starting work
- Changing address
- How to tell us about changes
