Change of circumstances for Benefit Claims

When you made a claim for Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax reduction, you signed a declaration that said that you would let us know in writing about any change of circumstance for you or anyone living with you that could affect your claim. This page explains what you should do if you think there has been a change of circumstance in your home.

We need to know about any change of circumstance

For example:

• If you move home;
• If someone moves in or out;
• If your income changes
• If your rent changes (unless you are a council tenant);
• If you qualify for another benefit;
• If you stop getting Income Support or Jobseeker's Allowance;
• If anyone living in your home has a change of circumstance.

This is not a full list. If you are not sure whether to tell us something, just ask us.

We need to know about any change within one calendar month of the change.

Why you need to tell us immediately

Any delay in telling us about a change could result in loss of benefit. You may have to repay any overpaid Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax reduction if you delay or fail to tell us about a change in circumstance.

Normally any change in circumstance that may increase your Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax reduction will start from the day you tell us, not the date it happened.

We will need proof of any changes

In most cases we will need to see original supporting documents such as a letter from your landlord if advising of a rent increase or wage slips if your wages have changed. 

If you cannot supply supporting documents immediately do not delay telling us of the change. 

How to tell us

Report a change in your circumstances online

Or complete one of the forms below and return it to:

Oxford City Council Benefits
P.O. Box 10
Oxford OX1 1BR

Benefits Change of Circumstances - Money Form (7100kB PDF)
Benefits Change of Circumstances - Address Form (3500kB PDF)

Page last updated 27 March 2013