Since April 2004 an award of Housing and/or Council Tax Benefit lasts indefinitely. This means that the benefit awards run continuously without the need for you to regularly fill in a renewal form. Instead there is a system of checks to ensure that the information held is up to date.
Checks are carried out by the following methods:
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Cross-checking of information with other agencies such as the Inland Revenue, Department of Work and Pensions etc
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Visits by council staff to you in your own home
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Telephone calls from the Benefits Team to the customer
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Postal Reviews
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Review forms (these are shortened versions of the application form, specifically designed for these checks)
There is, however, still a legal requirement for you to inform us of any changes in your circumstances which may affect your entitlement to benefit.
To report any changes in your circumstances please visit the online forms section of our Online Services.
