If your financial situation changes after applying for Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction, it’s important to inform the council immediately. Changes can affect the amount of benefit you receive, and failing to report them could result in overpayments that you would have to repay later.
Here’s what you should do:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Notify the council | Tell the council about the change right away. |
| 2. Provide details | Give full details of the change and the date it occurred. |
| 3. Submit online | You can report changes online through the Citizen Access Benefits portal. |
| 4. Provide proof | Proof of the change may be required, but you can submit your report even if you don’t have all the information immediately. |
| 5. Contact Universal Credit | If you receive Universal Credit, ensure you also update the Department for Work and Pensions through your Universal Credit account. |
Quickly updating the council helps prevent issues like overpayments or penalties due to late notification. If you’re ever unsure about what changes to report, it's safer to let the council know anyway.