What happens if my circumstances change?
If your circumstances change, you should tell Sheffield Benefits Service about the changes as soon as possible. To make notifying us about changes easier, you can ask us for one of three special change of address and circumstances forms.
Reporting changes in circumstances
An orange form is to be used to tell us about a changes in circumstances if customers are already claiming Housing /Council Tax Benefit. It asks for name, date of birth, National Insurance Number and details of what has changed. If customers wish to report a change of address they should use the change of address forms.
Reporting a change of address (Local Authority tenants and Owner Occupiers)
A green form is be used for Local Authority (Sheffield Homes) tenants and Owner Occupiers to report a change of address only. This form is for customers who are receiving or have been receiving Housing/Council Tax Benefit immediately before moving home.
The form asks for name, date of birth, National Insurance Number, new address and the date the person started to live there, their old address and the date they moved out. If customers wish to report any other changes in circumstances they should use the orange change in circumstances form.
Reporting a change of address (Private and Housing Association Tenants)
A lilac form is to be used for tenants of Private Landlords and Housing Associations. to report a change of address only. This form is for customers who are receiving or have been receiving Housing/Council Tax Benefit immediately before moving home. If customers wish to report any other changes in circumstances they should use the orange change in circumstances form.
This form asks for name, date of birth, National Insurance Number, new address and the date they started to live there, their old address and the date they moved out. Details of property, rent and who to pay benefit to are also requested.
Why 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, you could be losing out - the change could result in an increase in your Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.
Similarly, if you do not tell us about changes in your circumstances, you may have to repay any Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit which you should not have received.
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 who lives with you.
- If you start work.
- A change in your wages, private pension or any other income you receive.
- A change to the amount of rent you pay.
- If you start or stop receiving Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance or Employment and Support 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.
One of my household members has had a change in their circumstances, do I need to tell you?
Yes, because if your partner, one of your dependants and/or one of your non-dependants has a change in their circumstances it may affect your entitlement to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.
If you are not sure whether a change will affect your Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit – tell us anyway.
Can I get some further advice?
Of course. To find out how to contact us or where to go to get further information and advice, go to Points of Contact for Benefit Help.