Receiving housing benefit? Tell us if your circumstances change

Residents who receive housing benefit are being reminded to inform the council if their circumstances change.

Examples of changes within your home could be some of the following:

• A change to your income: if other benefits start, stop or change; a pension starts or changes; someone stops or starts work; someone’s wages change up or down, or childcare costs change; any other income changes for anyone in your household.

• Your household: if you move house; when people move in and out of your property; a partner leaves or moves in; when your child benefit stops for your baby; if you have a baby.

• Money: if your rent goes up or down; a service charge changes; your savings go up or down; your inherit money; you have a second property.

Delays in telling the council of any changes could mean you are overpaid benefit or lose out on extra benefit you were entitled to.

If you have been overpaid then you will be expected to pay this back. The council will either deduct this from your ongoing benefit entitlement or send you an invoice for you to arrange a payment schedule.

Councillor Sandra Walmsley, cabinet member for strategic housing and support services, said: “It’s important that everyone who is entitled to benefits receives the correct amount.

“I urge all claimants whose circumstances have changed to let us know as quickly as possible. It’s unlawful to claim more housing benefit than you are entitled to, and it could lead to prosecution. Also, it’s not fair on other residents who are doing the right thing.”

How you inform us of any changes:

• Visit www.bury.gov.uk/benefits
• Call 0161 253 5858
• Email benefits@bury.gov.uk

ENDS

Press release issued: 17 June 2016.