Reporting a change in your circumstances is essential as it can significantly affect your Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction. It's crucial to notify the council promptly to avoid overpayments or penalties.
Here are the types of changes you need to report:
| Change Type |
|---|
| If you stop or start receiving benefits |
| If your rent amount changes |
| If your wages (or your partner's) change |
| Any changes in your or your family's income |
| Changes in savings for you or your family |
| If anyone living with you starts work or moves in/out |
| If you change your address |
Not reporting changes can lead to overpayment issues, which you will have to repay, and may incur additional penalties for late notifications regarding Council Tax Reduction. If you're unsure whether a change needs reporting, it’s best to let the council know anyway. You can report changes online through the Citizen Access Benefits portal.