If you receive Housing Benefit, you must report any changes in your circumstances immediately. Failing to do so could result in your payments being stopped, reduced, or overpaid, which you may have to repay later.
What Changes Should You Report?
You need to report changes for yourself and anyone else in your household. These can include:
Employment & Income Changes
- Starting or stopping work, education, training, or an apprenticeship
- Changes in benefits (for you or anyone in your household)
- Changes to workplace or private pensions
- Changes in savings, investments, or property
- Your income increasing or decreasing
Housing & Living Arrangements
- Moving house
- Rent increasing or decreasing
- Someone moving in or out of your home (e.g., a partner, child, lodger, or relative)
- Going abroad for any length of time
- Going into hospital, a care home, or sheltered accommodation
Family & Personal Changes
- Having a baby
- A partner or household member passing away
- Your child turning 18
- Changes to your immigration status (if you are not a British citizen)
If you’re unsure whether a change affects your Housing Benefit, contact your local council for guidance.
How to Report a Change in Circumstances
You must report any changes to your local council as soon as possible. They will update your Housing Benefit records and adjust your payments if needed.
What Happens If Your Other Benefits Change?
If you receive other benefits, you must report any changes to them separately.
If Your Other Benefits Stop
Some benefits stop when you:
- Return to work
- Increase your working hours
- Earn more money
If this happens, your council may:
- Give you an extra 4 weeks of Housing Benefit (Extended Payment of Housing Benefit)
- Start paying you an ‘In-Work Housing Benefit’
Your local council will check if you’re eligible and send you a letter—you do not need to apply separately.
What If You’re Overpaid?
You may have to repay Housing Benefit if:
- You didn’t report a change immediately
- You gave incorrect information
- An overpayment was made by mistake
If you think you’ve been overpaid, contact your local council as soon as possible.
Reporting a change in circumstances is essential to ensure you receive the correct amount of Housing Benefit. Any delay in reporting could result in reduced payments or overpayments, which you might have to repay. If you’re unsure about any changes, contact your local council immediately.
FAQ’s
What changes should I report for Housing Benefit?
You must report changes in income, employment, household members, rent, savings, benefits, or personal circumstances such as having a baby or moving house.
How do I report a change in circumstances?
You should contact your local council as soon as possible to report any changes affecting your Housing Benefit.
What happens if I don’t report a change?
Your Housing Benefit could be reduced or stopped. If you’re overpaid due to not reporting a change, you may have to repay the excess amount.
Can I get extra Housing Benefit if I return to work?
Your council may give you an Extended Payment of Housing Benefit (4 extra weeks) or an In-Work Housing Benefit if you qualify.
What should I do if I’ve been overpaid?
If you suspect an overpayment, contact your local council immediately to discuss repayment options or possible adjustments to your claim.