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It is very important that you let us know immediately if you have a change in your circumstances as you may receive too little or too much benefit.

It is an offence not to tell us about any change of circumstance that affects your benefit. We may take court action against you and if we pay you too much benefit, you will probably have to pay it back.

You can tell us about any changes by writing to the Benefit Service at the Town Hall, Lancaster Road, Preston.  PR1 2RL or you can use the change of circumstances form that was sent to you with your housing benefit award notice. It is important that you provide details of the change, the date that the change occurred and proof where appropriate.

Examples of the type of changes that you need to report are as follows:

  • If you change your address
  • If your rent changes (private tenants only)
  • If you or your partner go into hospital
  • If you or your partner’s income or savings increase or decrease

Including:

  • If Income Support or Jobseeker’s Allowance stops
  • Starting work or changing employer
  • If the amount or type of state benefit changes
  • If wages increase or decrease
  • If private pension increases
  • If a tax credit is awarded or the amount of award changes

Changes affecting people who live with you including:

  • If someone comes to live with you or if someone leaves your household
  • If the income or circumstances of someone living with you change (e.g. they start work or their Income Support ends)
  • If you stop getting child benefit for someone
     

This list only provides some examples of the type of changes that may occur and is not exhaustive and it is important that you check with the Benefit Service on 01772 906903 if you are unsure if a change will affect your entitlement to housing benefit.

If we missed something or don't have an answer to your query, then please let us know by using the Ask a question box. We'll do our best to help you. Alternatively, if you need a quick answer you can email us or telephone us using the details listed in the contacts box.

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