Benefits: report a change in your circumstances
You need to report changes to your circumstances so you keep getting the right amount of benefits.
Your claim might be stopped or reduced if you do not report a change straight away or you give incorrect information.
If you do not report a change or a mistake, you might be paid too much. If you are, you might have to pay some of the money back. You might also have to pay a £50 penalty.
If you deliberately do not report changes, you’re committing benefit fraud.
Changes you need to report
Changes can include:
changing your name or gender
finding or finishing a job, or working different hours
your income going up or down
starting or stopping education, training or an apprenticeship
moving house
people moving into or out of the place you live (for example your partner, a child or lodger)
the death of your partner or someone you live with
having a baby
starting or stopping caring for someone
getting married or divorced
starting or ending a civil partnership
planning to go abroad for any length of time
going into hospital, a care home or sheltered accommodation
any changes to your medical condition or disability
changing your doctor
changes to your pension, savings, investments or property
changes to other money you get (for example student loans or grants, sick pay or money you get from a charity)
changes to the benefits you or anyone else in your house gets
you or your partner getting back-pay (sometimes called ‘arrears’) for salary or earnings you’re owed
If you claim Child Benefit you also need to report changes to your child’s circumstances.
Reporting a death
Use the ‘Tell Us Once’ Service if someone dies when they’re receiving benefits. The process is different if you’re in Northern Ireland.
How to report changes
Who you tell depends on which benefits you get. You’ll need to report your change to more than one organisation if you get more than one benefit.
Universal Credit
Report changes using your Universal Credit online account if you have one or contact the Universal Credit helpline.
Pension Credit
Call the Pension Service helpline or report changes by post.
Disability benefits
Call the Disability Service Centre to report changes if you get Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Housing Benefit
Tell your local council about changes if you get Housing Benefit.
Child Benefit
Report changes using the Child Benefit online service or call or write to the Child Benefit Office.
All other benefits
Call Jobcentre Plus to report changes. You need to have your National Insurance number when you call.