If you are claiming benefit, you must tell us straightaway if anything changes.  To tell us about a change you can:

• Call our Customer Services Team on 01621 854477; or
• Click here to send us email
• Click here to use our “Changes – Tell us now” form – you can also find this in the download area.  You should print this off, fill in the details and post it back to us with proof of any changes.  You could also drop it into the Council Offices. 
• Visit the Contact Centre at the Council Offices, Princes Road, Maldon.  Advisors are available to help you but please remember to bring proof of the changes with you. 

We will always ask you to confirm your change in writing. 

Whenever anything changes it is better to tell us immediately but always within one month from the date of the change occurring. If you do not you might lose benefit you are entitled to or you could risk further action being taken against you.

Changes in circumstance can include:

• Moving house
• If anyone moves in or out i.e. a partner, a lodger
• Your income, or the income of your household, changes
• If your rent changes
• If you, or anyone in your household, qualify for another benefit
• If you, or your partner stop getting Income Support, pension credit, employment and support allowance or Job Seekers Allowance - click here to read more about going back to work and extra help.
• Any of your children leave school
• You or your partner goes into hospital
• Your Working Tax Credit changes

There are lots of other things that can change and if you are not sure if something counts as a change in circumstances, let us know anyway.

Normally, we will need proof of the changes. For example, a change in rent requires a landlord's letter; a change in income requires payslips. Only original documentation is accepted. We will also need to know the date that the change occurred.  You should send your letter and proof to the Maldon District Council offices at Princes Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5DL.

If documents are not available straightaway, don't wait.  Let us know anyway and your documentation can be sent at a later date.

Don't rely on someone else to notify your change or assume that someone else will let us know on your behalf - always make sure you have reported the change yourself to the Council.

If you know anyone who has failed to tell us about their change in circumstance and is claiming benefit fraudulently, please see our fraud page for how to report this.

Remember: Don't Delay - Do it TODAY!

For more information about changes in circumstances, please see our leaflet (PDF Format) in the download area.