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Your Weekly Income
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This section lets you know what we count as income when we work out your housing and council tax benefits. It also tells you what evidence we'll need from you and how you can provide it.
What is counted as income?
The money we count as income includes:
- earnings
- tax credits
- pensions
- other benefits
- capital (savings) over £6000
If you have a partner sharing your home, we count your joint incomes and savings together.
If you are getting Income Support, income-based Job Seeker's Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance, you will automatically get the maximum Housing and/or Council Tax Benefit we can pay based on your circumstances, less any charges for other people living with you and sharing your home.
See the section Household Members for more information.
If you are not getting Income Support, income-based Job Seeker's Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance we need to calculate your weekly income for benefit purposes. To do this we add together:
- any salary or wages you and your partner earn (we take off Income Tax, National Insurance contributions and half any private pension contributions first);
plus
- any other income, like pensions, benefits or allowances that you and your partner get. e.g. Pension Credits, National Retirement Pension, Incapacity Benefit or Employment and Support Allowance (Contributory), Works Pension, Widow's Pension, Tax Credits, etc.;
plus
- an extra amount for any savings between £6,000 and £16,000, that you and your partner have.
I am working, what proof do I need to provide?
If you are working we normally need you to send in wage slips as proof of your earnings. If you are paid weekly we need to see your last five payslips; if you are paid fortnightly we need to see your last 3 payslips; and if you are paid monthly we need to see your last two salary slips.
If you are unable to supply payslips, you should ask your employer to complete a Proof of Earnings form. Alternatively, you can ask your employer to provide a letter showing the same details as the Proof of Earnings form.
Where can I get a Proof of Earnings Form?
If you go to Points of Contact for Benefits Help, you'll find information about where to obtain a Proof of Earnings form.
If you prefer you can download, print and complete the Proof of Earnings Form below.
How can I provide the information you need?
You can submit proof of your weekly income in person at First Point in Howden House, or at any Local First Point or Area Housing Office.
If you supply the proofs in person we will photocopy them and give you back the originals and give you a receipt. You should ask to see the photocopies, especially if you are submitting payslips, and make sure that you are satisfied that the copies are clear and legible.
You can also post your proofs to Sheffield Benefits Service. If you choose this method it is important to remember that you should not send valuable items by post.
Alternatively you can make an appointment for one of our advisors to visit you in your own home by telephoning (0114) 273 6068, during office hours.
It is important that you contact us if you need more time to supply your proofs.
Downloads
If you are unable to obtain payslips, you can ask your employer to complete this form to show proof of your earnings. (41.7 KB)
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