For a new claim, we need to see proof of the following for you and your partner:
- Proof of identity. You will need to provide two items, which may include a passport, birth certificate, driving licence, or a recent utility bill
- National Insurance Number. You can find this on benefit books or letters from the Department of Work and Pensions, wage slips, P45 or P60 or a National Insurance card or letters from the tax office.
- Savings and investments. If the total value of your savings and investments is over £6,000.00 (or £10,000.00 if you are a pensioner), we will need to see up-to-date proof. We will normally need to see two consecutive months of bank statements for each account. We also need to see proof of any stocks, unit trusts, shares, national savings or any other savings or investments that you have.
- Income and benefits. We need to see five consecutive wage slips if you are paid weekly, or two if you are paid monthly. If you have just started work, do not wait until you have these before claiming benefits. You can send us your first wage slip or ask your employer for a letter confirming what your wage will be. We can estimate your entitlement and revise the calculation when your payslips are available. If you can't find your payslips, ask us for a certificate of earnings to send to your employer.
We may need to see proof of any benefits you receive. This could include child benefits or tax credits. If we can, we will confirm the details with the Department for Work and Pensions, but we may need you to provide proof if we cannot confirm the amount that you receive.
We need to see proof of any other income that you receive and the income of anyone else who lives with you, for example, a relative or friend. If you need advice, please contact us for advice on 0151 443 4042.
If you need to provide any supporting documents, you can upload your evidence online or using the self-service stations in our libraries.
Please do not send valuable documents through the post.
If you cannot provide the information, please get in touch with us. You mustn't delay in returning your claim for benefit.
