Change of Circumstances
If your circumstances change, you should tell
us about the changes as soon as possible. This includes changes
relating to the people who live in your home with you. It is
important that you provide details of the change, the date the
change occurred and proof where appropriate
You can tell us about any changes by contacting
us or e-mailing benefit.services@ashford.gov.uk.
You can also use the change of circumstances form below or you can
use the form that is sent will all benefit decision notices.
Change of Circumstances Form 88Kb
PDF
What sort of things do I need to tell you
about?
The following list gives examples of
changes you need to tell us about -
- A change to where you live.
- A change to the amount of rent you pay
- A change to who lives with you, anyone moving in or out
of your home on a temporary or permanent basis.
- The death of someone who lives with you. If you are now
the sole occupant you will be entitled to a Council Tax
discount
- A change in circumstances of someone who lives with
you.
- If you stop or start work
- A change in your wages, private pension or any
other income you receive.
- If you stop getting Child Benefit for someone
- If you start or stop receiving Income Support or
Jobseekers Allowance.
- If you start or stop receiving any other benefit.
- If your capital, such as savings and investments,
alters.
This is not an exhaustive list, these are only
examples of changes you need to tell us about. If you are in
any doubt whether we need to know or not, call 01233
331111 and give us the details; we can then decide
whether your benefit will be affected and tell you what to do
next.
What happens if I don't tell you?
If you do not tell us about a change of
circumstances within one calendar month of the change, and the
change results in an increase in your Housing and/or
Council Tax Benefit, then you could lose out on money; the council
will only apply changes which increase your benefit entitlement
from the time you tell us about them.
If you do not tell us about a change of circumstances within one
calendar month of the change. and the change results in a decrease
in your Housing and/or Council Tax Benefit, you may have to repay
overpaid
benefit; the council will apply changes which decrease your
benefit entitlement form the date they actually
happened.
If you are not sure whether a change
will affect your Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit – tell us
anyway.
This webpage was updated on
2/9/2012