Evidence and Proofs

Sheffield City Council has signed up to the Verification Framework, which is part of the Government's commitment to reducing poverty and developing an active Benefits system that supports work, savings and honesty. The Verification Framework sets out the information and evidence that must be collected and verified before Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit are paid. Supplying us with this information at the earliest opportunity will ensure that your claim is deal with in the quickest possible time.

Special note for Pensioners in receipt of Pension Credits

If you are a pensioner who is already in receipt of Pension Credit (Savings Credit or Guaranteed Credit) you need only provide evidence of your entitlement. We do not need to see proof of any other income or capital you have. We may, however, need to ask you for more information if live in rented accommodation (except Sheffield Homes properties) or have adult non-dependants or children living with you.

Important - only original documents can be accepted as proof, we cannot accept photocopies.

What evidence and items of proof do I need to provide?

Your fully completed claim form

This means that you must answer every question. Please use black ink and write clearly in capital letters. If you make mistake just crossed it out and put the right answer next to it. Remember to sign the form. If someone else completes the form for you, there is a place where he or she should sign.

You should submit the claim form, even if you are not able to supply all or some of the evidence.

Evidence of Identity

We need to see at least two proofs of identity. Evidence of identity can include - UK passport (current and valid), driving licence, UK residence permit, EC identity card, birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce or annulment papers, National Insurance number card, medical card, recent household bill.

Evidence of your address

A recent household bill in your name, such as a gas or electricity bill, or TV licence.

Evidence of your National Insurance Number

Such as a National Insurance number card, payslips or letters from the social security or the tax office.

Evidence of capital, savings and investments

This includes all your bank, building society or post office books, full bank statements (showing all transactions), or certificates for premium bonds, National Savings Certificates, ISAs, stocks, shares and unit trusts. We need to see evidence of any interest or dividends you get on investments and savings.

We need to see this evidence for children in your household as well.

The evidence must show details for at least the last two months.

Evidence of earnings

We also need this information for any other adults living in your home.

If you are paid every week, we need to see your last five payslips; if you are paid every two weeks, we need to see your last three payslips; if you are paid month every month we need to see your last two payslips.

If you (or your partner, if you have one) are self-employed, we need to see your accounts for the last financial year or, if you have been trading for less than six months, a summary of your trading records so far.

Evidence of other income

By this we mean thing such as pension slips from former employers, or a letter from court showing how much maintenance you are getting.

If someone, other than a member of your family, pays you for board and lodgings, we need to see evidence of this.

Evidence of benefits, allowances or pensions

We also need this information for any other adults living in your home.

Such as current award notices or letters from social security or inland revenue confirming how much you get. If you do not have evidence, let us know straight away.

Important – please do not send order books through the post.

Evidence of private rent and tenancy

Such as a rent book, rent receipts, a recent tenancy agreement or a letter from your landlord.

Proof of rent must include:

the full address of the property you are renting
the full name and address of the landlord
the full name and address of any agent
the full name of all tenants
the start date of the tenancy
the amount of rent charged
how often the rent is paid, for example weekly, four-weekly (sometimes called lunar monthly), calendar monthly
what is included in the rent, for example meals, gas, electricity, water charges, etc, and the amount charged for these services
the date the tenancy was signed
how long the tenancy will last
your signature
the landlord's/agent's signature

Evidence of other money paid out

Such as letters about student grants or maintenance agreements or receipts from registered child carers.

What do I do next?

The claim form can be returned to us by post 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 submit the claim form and proofs in person at First Point Reception in Howden House, or at any Area Housing Office. If you supply the proofs in person will we photocopy them and give you the originals back. We will also give you a receipt. You should ask to see the photocopies and make sure that you are satisfied that the copies are clear and legible.

It is important that you contact us if you need more time to supply your proofs.

I have difficulty getting around, would it be possible for someone to come to my home to collect the claim form and proofs?

Yes, 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.

Useful information, including addresses and other contact details can be found at Points of Contact for Benefits Help.

Think that you’re ready to make your claim? Have a look at our quick checklist to make sure that you’ve got everything.

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