Benefits: let us know about a change in circumstances

We prefer you to tell us about any changes online. This speeds things up, saves public money and frees up time so we can support those who are unable to apply online.

Please give us as much information as you can so we can update your details as quickly as possible. Even if you do not have all your supporting documents, you should still tell us about your change in circumstances.

What you need to tell us about

You need to let us know if you move, including moving to another flat or room at the same address.

If you are moving to a different council area, you may need to apply for Universal Credit.

You must also let us know about any changes to:

• the people that live in your house
• the income of anyone in your house
• your capital

If you’re not sure if your change in circumstance will affect your benefits, tell us anyway.

People that live in your house

You must let us know if:

• anyone moves into or out of your home, including lodgers and subtenants
• you have a child
• any of your children leave school or leave home
• you or your partner are going to be away from home for 4 weeks or more
• someone you live with dies 

Your income

You need to let us know if:

• your income or income of anyone living with you changes, including getting other benefits, like Tax Credits
• you or your partner's wages go up or down
• you or anyone living with you starts work
• you or your partner have started, changed or lost their job

Your capital

You must let us know if your capital or savings change.

We need to know if you have more than £6,000 if you are working age, £10,000 if you are of State Pension Credit Qualifying Age, or if have more than £16,000 in your bank accounts or in assets.

When you need to tell us

You need to tell us about a change in your circumstances within 21 days.

It's important that you let us know as quickly as possible because you may:

• miss out on money you are entitled to
• be overpaid
• have to pay a financial penalty

If you or your partner are temporarily away from your home

There may be times when you need to be away from your home, either within the UK or outside of the UK for example for health reasons, because of a crisis, to visit family and friends or because of a holiday.

It’s important that you tell us straight away if you are going to be away from your home. If we try to contact you and we’re not aware of your absence, your Council Tax Support may be cancelled.

Below are a few examples of when you may still qualify for benefit whilst being away from your home:

• if you are away from your home for less than 13 weeks (as long as the absence is within the UK)
• if you are away from your home outside of the UK for a maximum of 4 weeks
• if the absence is for approved medical care (evidence may be requested) up to 52 weeks if this is within the UK or up to 26 weeks outside of the UK

Report changes online

Bournemouth residents

Use our online form to report a change of circumstances.

Christchurch and Poole residents

To change your address, please use the online change of address form.

For all other changes in circumstances or if you are moving to a different council area, please complete the online change of circumstances form.

What happens next

We aim to update your account within 2 weeks of you letting us know about the change in circumstances, even if there’s no change to your award.

If you have an online account, you can log in to see if the change of circumstance has been applied.