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It is important that you tell the Housing Executive about a change in your circumstances. This section explains how to keep your claim up to date and what could happen if you don't tell the Housing Executive when your circumstances change.
How do I keep my claim up to date?
If you are receiving income support, jobseeker's allowance, pension credit (guarantee element) or employment and support allowance (income-related), you will continue to get housing benefit while your other benefits continue.
However, you will have to complete and return a housing benefit application form each year.
If you are not receiving the above benefits, the Housing Executive will reassess your claim every 6 to 12 months. You will have to complete and return a housing benefit application form on these occasions.
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Do I have to tell the Housing Executive when my circumstances change?
You must tell the Housing Executive if there is a change of circumstances which might affect your housing benefit.You have a legal duty to do so and it's best to do it in writing.
You must tell the Housing Executive immediately if:
- someone moves out of or moves into your home
- you (or someone in your home) starts work
- you (or someone in your home) starts claiming a new benefit
- your rent changes
- your income changes.
The Housing Executive will reassess your application after you tell it about your new circumstances. The amount of housing benefit you get will depend on your new circumstances.
You may be entitled to extended housing benefit payments if you have taken up work or increased your income/hours of work.
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What can happen if I don't tell the Housing Executive?
If you don't tell the Housing Executive about your new circumstances you might:
- get less housing benefit than you are entitled to
- not get extended payments you may be entitled to
- have to pay back money to the Housing Executive
- be prosecuted for fraud in serious cases.
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