Information and Evidence needed for Claims

In order to process your Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support claim as quickly as possible, we need certain information and evidence from you to support your claim.

Remember when making a claim

  • Always provide evidence of your income and capital and any other relevant information
  • Always complete and send in your form as soon as possible
  • Always provide any evidence requested from you as soon as possible

You will be asked to provide identification for yourself along with proof of your National Insurance Number when making a new claim.

Acceptable forms of proof of National Insurance Number

If you are unable to provide photo identification, please provide two of the following:

  • P45 or P60
  • Wage slip
  • Tax letter
  • DWP notification letter
  • RD3 National Insurance card

Acceptable forms of identification

  • Current valid passport
  • National Identity card issued by a European Economic Area member state
  • Full Driving Licence
  • UK Residence permit
  • Marriage certificate
  • Paid utility bill
  • Divorce or annulment papers
  • Certificate of employment in HM forces
  • Certificate of employment in the Merchant Navy
  • Wage slip from current employer
  • P714 (Tax Certificate)
  • Birth certificate
  • Life insurance policy
  • Benefit award letter from DWP
  • Medical card
  • Letter from solicitor, social worker, probation officer or doctor

Types of income proof we need

If you are in receipt of Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance (income based) or Pension Credits, we will need to see a Notification letter for your current award

If you are NOT in receipt of Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance (income based) or Pension Credits, we will need to see one of the following;

Proof of earnings-For each job - 5 weekly, 3 fortnightly or 2 monthly consecutive wage slips. If you do not have these ask us for a 'employers certificate of earning'. This must include a company stamp.

If you have other sources of income, please provide evidence for the following

Proof of other income
What we need What you need to supply
State benefits and pension

Department for Works and Pension notification letter for the current award

Bank statement showing the payments going in
Occupational pension

Payslips / Pension slip notifications

Letter from your former employer
Tax Credits Inland Revenue notification letter - All PAGES
Maintenance Letter from Child Support Agency or a letter from payer
Other income Letter showing the amount and frequency
Student grant / loan Current grant / loan award letter including a full breakdown of the type of grant
Child care payments

Completion in full of our Child Care Earnings Disregard Form, detailing term time/holiday payments along with the childcare providers OFSTED registration number
Proof of capital
  • Up to date bank statements covering the last 2 months. If you do not have these you can request a balance print out from your bank until your statements arrive but you must still provide them.
  • Share certificates
  • National savings certificates
  • Premium bonds
  • Documentary evidence of any other type of capital
Second properties Evidence of the current valuation and the amount of the second home