To support your Housing Benefit claim in Durham, you will need to provide several documents to verify your identity, income, and housing situation. Here's a summary of what you need:
| Type of Evidence | Documents Required |
|---|---|
| Identity Evidence | Current passport, birth/marriage certificate, divorce/separation papers, driving licence, benefit award letter, payslip, bank statement, utility bill (last 3 months), medical card. |
| Evidence of Earnings | - Monthly: two most recent payslips<br>- Fortnightly: three most recent payslips<br>- Weekly: five most recent payslips<br>- If no payslip: Statement of Earnings Form must be completed by your employer. |
| Self-Employed Earnings | - Last financial year's accounts (prepared by an accountant) or complete self-employed earnings information form (specific versions for businesses trading less than or more than 13 weeks). |
| Rent Evidence | - Landlord's confirmation of rent form or most recent tenancy agreement (if unchanged and less than two years since initial period expired)<br>- If living with landlord/family, both must complete the Landlord and Tenant Questionnaire. |
| Benefits and Tax Credits Evidence | Typically provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). |
| Pensions Evidence | Private pensions: recent bank/pension statement showing amount, recipient, and payment frequency. Pension Credit: usually provided by DWP. |
| Savings and Investments Evidence | Bank statements for latest month of each account, savings account or ISA; Post Office/building society books; National Savings certificates; proof of other investments. |
| Proof of Additional Payments | Evidence for registered childminders, private pension contributions, or contributions to student upkeep if applicable. |
To avoid delays, ensure that your claim forms are thoroughly completed and submitted along with these documents as soon as possible. You can find specific forms and submit your claim online on the Durham council website by following this link.