How can I get my Claim Processed Quickly?

Getting your claim processed quickly

• Complete the Housing and Council Tax Benefit application form answering ALL questions.
• Bring your form to the City Offices with ALL INFORMATION including original documents and proof of identity (see below for more information).
• Remember that you will need proof of income and savings for everyone living in your household over 18 years of age.

What will happen then?

• A decision will be made on your claim within 3 working days.

Opening times:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday - 8.45am to 5.00pm

Friday - 8.45am to 4.30pm

Proof of Identity and National Insurance Number
You will have to prove your identity by providing proof of your National Insurance Number(s) for both you and your partner. An original document with the number on it must be provided. Acceptable proof is listed below:

• P45/P60
• Printed (not hand-written) payslips
• Income Tax letter
• Notification letter from the Department for Work & Pensions
• National Insurance number card

If you do not have a National Insurance number or an original document with the number on it, you must provide TWO different original forms of identification eg

• Driving Licence
• Current Passport
• Birth Certificate
• Medical Card
• Bank Statement

Proof of income
If you or your partner are employed, you must provide;

• last 5 wage slips if paid weekly
• last 3 wage slips if paid every 2 weeks
• last 2 wage slips if paid monthly or four weekly

If you or your partner are self employed, you must bring your most recent accounts. If you cannot provide these, or have only recently become self employed, please contact the Benefits Section.

If you are receiving any benefit or pension we will need to see proof, for example a notification letter.

Proof of savings and investments
We will need to see your last 2 full months bank statements for all accounts, passbooks or certificates showing all savings and investments.

Proof of rent
This can be one of the following;

• Rent account
• Tenancy agreement
• Rent book with a letter from your landlord
• Rent proof form (obtainable from the Benefits Section)

You must only provide original documents (we will not accept photocopies)
If you do not supply all of this information, it will mean that we cannot award any benefit or your claim may be delayed

Downloads:

File format	File title	File size / Download time
	Application Forms - Guidance Notes	37K 56Kbps Modem: 5 Seconds Broadband: 1 Second
	Housing and Council Tax Benefit Application Form	147K 56Kbps Modem: 21 Seconds Broadband: 1 Second