My details/circumstances have changed

Remember to let us know straight away if any of your details or circumstances change as it may affect your entitlement to Housing Benefit or Local Council Tax Support.

You must contact us if any of the following apply to you:

• If you change your address
• If your income or savings change (increase or decrease)
• If you start work or change jobs
• If you or your partner go into hospital
• If anyone joins or leaves your household or if their income changes
• If a child leaves school

If you do not tell us about any changes, we may be paying you too little and you could be missing out. We may also be paying you too much and you may have to pay this back to us later.

Let us know of a change

It may be considered as fraud if you knowingly continue to receive Housing Benefit or Local Council Tax support when your entitlement may have changed.

I am renting from a Housing Association (Registered Social Landlord) and my rent has or will change

If you are receiving Housing Benefit, we normally receive notification or proof of this change straight from your landlord. You should contact your landlord if you are unsure. 

If a month has passed from the date your rent changed and you still have not heard from us, contact us by emailing benefits@colchester.gov.uk or by calling 01206 282600 to notify us of the change.

You will need to upload documentary evidence that shows the change in rent.