What happens if my circumstances change?

It is very important that you let us know immediately if you have a change in your circumstances so you do not recieve too much or too little benefit.

It is an offence not to tell us about any change of circumstances which affects your benefit. If we have paid 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 address shown or you can use a change of circumstances form. It is important that you provide details of the change, the date it happened and evidence such as your wage slips if your wages have changed.

We have listed below some examples of the type of changes that you need to report. If you aren't sure, tell us!

• changes to your, or your partner's, income (wages, maintenance, benefits, works pension, tax credits or any other income at all)
• changes in the amount of savings you or your ppartner have, including the number of stocks and shares you own 
• changes to your household when people join or leave
• changes to the income of other people in your household
• changes to your rent (private or housing association tenants only)
• If you or your partner move, have to live away from home, become a student, go into hospital, or get a new landlord.

The above is not a complete list. If you are not sure, contact us and we will tell you if it will affect your Housing or Council Tax Benefit

You can tell us by letter or you can download a change in circumstances form by clicking on the PDF file below:

 

Returning your form

It is important you return this form quickly, so that we can pay you the right amount of Benefit as soon as possible.

Do not hold onto this form because you do not have all of the supporting evidence - you can send this separately at a later date if neccessary.

The completed form can be returned in the following ways:

By post

Benefits Division Wolverhampton City Council PO Box 3300        Wolverhampton                     WV1 1ZT

By hand

To your local housing office, or

Housing reception             Civic Centre                        St. Peter's Square Wolverhampton

or

Benefits reception          Alfred Squire Road, Wednesfield

or

Benefits Reception              High Street                    Bilston