If you do not tell the Council of a change in your circumstances you may be paid too much benefit which will be recovered from you. Please be aware that, should the change increase your benefit, unless you notify the Council of the change within one month, it will only be effective from the date when you tell us and therefore you could lose out on additional benefit.
The following are examples of changes which you must let the Council know about. If you are in any doubt about a change, please contact us immediately. Details of how to contact us are shown in the contact details section of this page.
- If you change address
- If you or your partner stop receiving income support
- If you or your partner stop receiving job seekers allowance
- If your savings or income changes
- If you start or stop receiving any other benefits
- If your partner's savings or income changes
- If anyone joins or leaves your household or if your child leaves school
- If you or your partner give birth
- If your non-dependant's income or hours worked changes
- If you have a change in your rent or any charges within your rent (unless you pay your rent to Homes in Havering)
If you have been receiving income support or job seekers allowance continuously for 26 weeks, and you commence employment that is expected to last for more than five weeks you may be awarded extended payments. You can obtain more information from the Benefit Agency or the Jobcentre Plus office.
An online form "Report a change of circumstances" is available on this page for you to tell us about any changes in your circumstances. Please note that this should only be used to notify us about changes that will affect your entitlement to Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit.
Please use the relevant downloadable documents on the right if you would rather complete a form and return it with all relevant proof regarding your change in circumstances..