Reporting change of circumstances too late

gilbutre

Hi everyone,

I think a change of income (I'm talking about an increase) must be reported within one month.

Can they actually terminate your claim if you report the change after, say, two or three months? I mean they certainly can, but is it something that happens?

pmlindyloo

Which benefit(s) are you claiming?

gilbutre

Tax credits and housing benefit, sorry I should have mentioned it.

gilbutre

My wife started a second job (zero hour contract with a 10h/week upper limit). So she used to work only 4h/w (one job), now it's up to 14h/w (two jobs combined).

I'm claiming working tax and child tax credits.

pmlindyloo

Housing Benefit

You should report a change of circumstances immediately.

Do it today - some councils allow you to do it on line - check this out.

You will probably have an overpayment. They may deduct this from future payments or if the new income means you are no longer entitled to HB they will ask you to pay the overpayment.

They may stop your benefit whilst it is being sorted out or they may not - varies from council to council.

Anchoress

Just a quick question as I don't want to hijack this thread but my private pension has recently started paying out (just a small amount). I have informed ESA as I'm on IB support group but didn't know whether to tell the council in regards to CTB, as once ESA has adjusted their payments I won't have any extra money coming in as far as the council is concerned.

pmlindyloo

Anchoress wrote: »

Just a quick question as I don't want to hijack this thread but my private pension has recently started paying out (just a small amount). I have informed ESA as I'm on IB support group but didn't know whether to tell the council in regards to CTB, as once ESA has adjusted their payments I won't have any extra money coming in as far as the council is concerned.

if you are still entitled to income based ESA after they take into account your private pension then you still are entitled to the maximum amount of HB for your situation. Income based ESA 'passports' you to this benefit.

http://www.turn2us.org.uk/information__resources/benefits/illness,_injury_and_disability/employment__support_allowance.aspx

Your CT support won't change whilst you are on income based ESA.

Anchoress

pmlindyloo wrote: »

if you are still entitled to income based ESA after they take into account your private pension then you still are entitled to the maximum amount of HB for your situation. Income based ESA 'passports' you to this benefit.

http://www.turn2us.org.uk/information__resources/benefits/illness,_injury_and_disability/employment__support_allowance.aspx

Your CT support won't change whilst you are on income based ESA.

I'll still be getting some ESA payment as my pension is only £30pw. Do I need to inform the council though as my income, in effect, won't be changing? Is this classed as a change in circumstances?

gilbutre

Ok, thanks a lot Pmlindyloo and Blondebubbles !

allen35

Anchoress wrote: »

I'll still be getting some ESA payment as my pension is only £30pw. Do I need to inform the council though as my income, in effect, won't be changing? Is this classed as a change in circumstances?

Yes you should submit this new income to Council especially if your ESA is contribution based and you have other income coming into the household.

The Council will update your case and calculate, if you are on ESA income related it will have no effect on entitlement and good practice to inform of other income.

Anchoress

Thanks allen35. I'll write to the council when ESA informs me of how much my future ESA payments will be.