See Also
Benefits
calculator
Change of address form (pdf)
Weblinks:
DWP - Department for Work and
Pensions (formerly DSS)
The Rent Service
The Pension Service
Citizens Advice
Bureau
Contact Us
Email:
Benefits@thanet.gov.uk
Phone:
from 9am to 5.30pm. If your family name begins:
A-Don call (01843) 577554
Doo-Ker call
(01843) 577555
Kes-Ric call
(01843) 577556
Rid-Z call (01843) 577551
Fax: 01843 577532
or Visit our
offices
Change in Circumstances
What do I do if my circumstances change?
You must tell us in writing, immediately.
You can do this:
If you do not tell us straight
away we may pay you too much benefit, and you will have to
pay back the overpayment. Even if you
have told another agency, such as the DWP or Pension Service, you
must still tell us.
If the change means you are entitled to more
benefit and you do not tell us within one month of the change
happening, you may lose benefit.
You may be prosecuted if you deliberately give
us false information or fail to tell us of a change in your
circumstances in order to get more benefit then you have a right to
receive.
What type of changes must I tell you about?
Here are some examples of changes in
circumstances which may affect your benefit:
- Any change in your income
- A change in the income of anyone else in your
household
- Coming off Income Support or Jobseeker’s
Allowance
- If you stop receiving Child Benefit for a
child
- A change in the amount of rent your landlord
charges you
- A change in the services your landlord
provides
- Someone moving into the property
- Someone moving out of the property
- If the amount of your savings goes over
£16,000
- If your savings increase or reduce (unless
they remain less than £6,000)
REMEMBER: IF IN DOUBT, TELL
US.
What should I do if I move from one property or room to
another?
Tell us as soon as you move. It is important
you let us know quickly, because if we pay you too much benefit,
you would have to pay back the overpayment.
If you are the tenant of a private landlord,
you should ask us for a Pre-Tenancy Determination before you
agree to take on the tenancy. This will tell you how much rent is
reasonable for the property. This can also be used as a guide to
how much benefit you may be entitled to.
If you then decide to take on the tenancy you
should complete a Change of
Address form and provide proof of rent for your new home.
We may be able to pay benefit for two homes –
your old and new address. You will have to give us reasons why this
is necessary, in writing. We will then decide if benefit can be
paid and inform you of our decision.
Unhappy with the final decision?
If you would like more information about how
your benefit is worked out, you must write to the Benefits Service
asking for full details.
If you are unhappy with how we have worked out your benefit, you
have the right to appeal. You should do this in writing,
within one month of receiving notification of your benefit
entitlement (see Reviews and
Appeals).