Change of circumstances
You must tell us straight away if your circumstances changes (whether for you, your partner, any dependant children or any non-dependants who live with you).
You must let us know if:
- You or your partner stop or start getting Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance or any other state benefits
- You or your partner's state benefits or any other income increase or decrease
- Your or your partner's wages increase or decrease
- Your or your partner's savings or investments increase or decrease
- The number of people living with you alters
- Any of your children leave school
- You move
- You have a child
- You start or stop paying childcare costs
- Your rent changes
This is not a full list. You should tell us about any changes you think may affect your entitlement. If in doubt - let us know.
You can now tell us about a change over the telephone or face to face. Find out more information about notifying change of circumstances.
You must tell us even if you've told other offices (such as the Department for Work and Pensions, the Job Centre Plus or other Council services).
If you have a change of circumstances you must notify us within one calendar month, otherwise you might lose out on benefit.
Remember, even if you are on a low income, you will have to pay back any money incorrectly paid. If you do not tell us about changes in your circumstances, we could treat this as fraud and that could lead to you being prosecuted.
If you are moving to another property in Solihull
If you are moving to a privately rented property and are currently in receipt of Housing Benefit we will need information about the rent at your new address.
If you are moving and pay your Council Tax by direct debit, there is no need to cancel the Direct Debit instruction. We will transfer your direct debit over to the new Council Tax account and let you know if there will be any change in the instalment amounts.
Contact Details
For more information on benefits and changes in circumstances please contact Income and Awards on 0121 704 8200 or email benefits@solihull.gov.uk