Even if you move to another flat or room at the same address we need to know about this as it can affect your benefit claim.

When you contact us we will need to know:

• your Council Tax account number which starts with a '4' (if you are registered to pay Council Tax);
• your benefit reference number if you know it;
• your full name;
• your old address and the date you are moving / have moved out; 
•  your new address and the date you are moving / have moved in.

You must:

• Tell us as soon as you move house. Please try to tell us before you move but if you cannot do this, tell us as soon after the move as you can. It is important that you let us know quickly as any overpaid benefit caused by your move will be recoverable.
• Where you are a tenant of a private landlord, you should apply for a Pre-Tenancy Determination before you agree to take on the tenancy. This will tell you how much rent is reasonable for the property before you agree to the tenancy. This can then be used as a guide as to how much benefit you may be entitled to.
• You will need to complete a new Application Form for Benefit (PDF) if you are moving in to the Ashfield area from somewhere else.
• You will need to complete a change of address form (PDF) if you are already getting housing benefit from Ashfield District Council and you are moving within the Ashfield area.
•  If you are unable to move into your new home straight away, please contact us on 01623 457400 for further advice.
•  You must also tell us about any other changes in your circumstances.

We will:

• Assess your claim as soon as possible once all information required to process the claim has been received.
• You may be able to apply for benefit at your old and new addresses - "overlapping benefit". We will look fairly at any application you make for benefit on two homes. We will decide if benefit can be paid and inform you in writing of the decision made. Please see the question Can I get benefit on two homes?