Christmas and New Year closure information
Our council offices and phone lines will close at 4pm on Wednesday 24 December and reopen at 9am on Monday 5 January 2026.
See our service arrangements for customers during this time.
Evidence you need to provide
If you're missing even one required document, your claim won’t be processed. That means delays in getting the support or payments you may need. The list below tells you what documents are accepted and how recent they need to be. This helps you avoid sending the wrong thing or having to resubmit.
Proof of identity
You must send one document from Group A and one from Group B for each person.
Group A (choose one):
- passport (valid)
- photo driving licence (UK, EU, etc.)
- birth certificate (issued within 12 months of birth)
- adoption certificate
- marriage or civil partnership certificate
- armed Forces ID card.
Group B (choose one):
- mortgage statement (last 12 months)
- bank statement (last 3 months)
- bank account opening letter (last 3 months)
- pension statement (last 3 months)
- P45 or P60 (last 12 months)
- utility bill (last 3 months)
- DWP or HMRC benefit letter (last 3 months)
- UK work permit or visa (still valid).
Proof of national insurance number
We accept:
- P45 or P60
- bank statements showing benefits with your NI number
- payslips or pension statements with your NI number
- official letters from DWP, Jobcentre, or HMRC
- National insurance card or letter.
Proof of income & savings
We accept:
- payslips (5 weekly, 3 fortnightly, or 2 monthly – no gaps)
- self-employed? Send your latest trading accounts
- bank or building society statements (last 2 months)
- share certificates or dividend statements.
Proof of rent
We accept:
- a tenancy agreement (less than 52 weeks old)
- or a letter from your landlord/agent confirming:
- their name and address
- start date of tenancy
- current rent amount
- what’s included (e.g. heating, meals)
- how often you pay (e.g. weekly, monthly).
