What the review is for
The review checks whether the contribution still reflects your financial position. It is not simply an anniversary check that the standing order is running.
A pay rise and a rise in necessary costs should both be explained. The assessment needs the current picture, not just whichever change is easiest to measure.
Keep evidence as you go
Create a folder for the review and add documents during the year:
- Recent payslips or other income records.
- Benefit award or change notices.
- Bank statements requested by the trustee.
- Updated housing, utility and travel costs.
- Evidence of childcare, caring or disability-related expenditure.
- Notes explaining irregular income or one-off costs.
Use the period and document format the trustee requests. Avoid sending sensitive records to an unverified email address; use the contact details or secure process in your existing paperwork.
If your income increases
Tell the trustee about a pay rise, new work, overtime or other material change. Ask whether they need a fresh budget and how the arrangement treats variable income.
Do not assume every extra pound is yours to spend, but equally do not estimate the new contribution yourself. Request a clear calculation and written confirmation of the payment required.
If essential costs increase
Explain the cost, when it changed, whether it is ongoing and what evidence you have. An adviser can help you present a complete budget if several pressures have built up together.
Keep a record of the request and response. If the next payment is already unaffordable, make that clear rather than waiting for the scheduled review.
If you disagree with the outcome
Ask for the basis of the calculation and identify the particular figure you believe is wrong. A focused question—such as whether a necessary expense was omitted—is easier to resolve than a general objection.
If the issue remains unresolved, request the trustee’s complaint procedure and obtain independent advice. Do not treat a disagreement as permission to stop complying.
Confirm the revised arrangement
Before changing the standing order, establish the new amount, start date and any effect on the term. Keep that confirmation with the original proposal.
Read what to do if you miss a payment if the change has already created arrears. The sooner you explain the position, the sooner the trustee can assess the appropriate response.
Sources & further reading
Sources checked for this guide on 6 September 2026. Follow the original guidance for full detail.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 where indicated by the source. No government endorsement is implied.