It is not uncommon for your personal or household situation to change. Even so, you must report any changes in circumstances while you are claiming benefits.
WHY REPORT CHANGES? There are several important reasons to report changes to your circumstances.
Note: Information on how to report a change of circumstance while you're claiming benefits is also available in Welsh language (Cymraeg).
Failing to report a change or an error means you may get paid too much money. If that happens, you will usually need to repay a benefits overpayment. In some cases, you can also get a fixed rate civil penalty of £50.
When it comes to your rights to claim benefits circumstantial or situational changes can include:
If you 'intentionally' fail to report a change to your situation you would be committing benefit fraud.
As a rule, you can use the cross-government 'Tell Us Once service' if someone dies while receiving benefits in the United Kingdom.
But, the process of reporting the death of someone receiving Social Security benefits differs in Northern Ireland. You should report a death to the Bereavement Service instead.
When you are reporting changes, the actual organisation that you need to tell will depend on which benefits you are getting. So, you may need to report the change to more than one organisation if you get several benefits.
In most cases, it will be easier to report changes using the Child Benefit online service. You can also call or write a letter to the Child Benefit Office.
Note: You must also report a change in circumstances to your children if you are claiming Child Benefit.
Contact the Disability Service Centre to report changes if you are getting:
You should inform your local council to let them know about any changes in your circumstances if you are getting Housing Benefit.
You can phone the Pension Service helpline if your circumstances change while you are receiving Pension Credit.
Reporting changes will ensure you get the right amount each month. There are several ways to report a change of circumstances while getting Universal Credit.
You can report all other benefits related changes to the Jobcentre Plus office. You will need to have your National Insurance number handy when you call them.
How to Report a Change in Your Circumstances while Claiming UK Benefits