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The Verification Framework is a Government initiative which local authorities are encouraged to participate in. It is aimed at more effective and efficient processing of Housing and Council Tax benefit claims. The Verification Framework sets out the information which must be verified before benefit is paid, specifies what is acceptable as evidence and what checks must be made during the life of a claim.
The way your benefit is calculated will not be altered by this initiative.
We will need to see proof of identity, National Insurance numbers, rent, income and capital for you and any partner.
Identity - you will have to provide your own and your partner’s national insurance number and evidence that it was issued to you. This may be on documents such as national insurance number card, wage slips, P45, P60 or state benefit books. In addition you will have to supply proof of your identity. This may be the same documents you supplied as evidence of your national insurance number and also any other document such as bank statements, utility bills, passport, medical card, marriage or birth certificates or anything similar.
Rent - if you pay rent to a private landlord or housing association proof of the amount you pay will be required. This may be a rent agreement, rent book, letter from your landlord or something similar. It must give the name and address of your landlord and of any agent.
Income - we will need to see proof of all income. This includes pay slips which must be computer or machine printed, if you are unable to supply these we can give you a certificate for your employer to complete. Letters from the Department of Works and Pension or benefit books must be provided for proof of state benefits.
Capital - proof of all bank / building society accounts, savings certificates, bonds etc must be supplied. You must supply your last 2 months statements for bank / building society accounts.
Only original documents will be accepted,. We will photocopy documents at the Council Offices. Please see below for addresses:-
Arnold Office Gedling Borough Council, Civic Centre, Arnold Hill Park, Arnold, Nottingham NG5 6LU
Carlton Office - Gedling Borough Council, Carlton Enquiry Office, Cemetery Lodge, Cavendish Road, Carlton, Nottingham NG4 3EF
Our application form states what has to be provided and includes notes to help you complete the form and also to tell you what is acceptable as proof of identity, rent, income and capital.
You can contact the Housing Benefit section on telephone number 0115 9013970. Alternatively you can visit the offices at Arnold or Carlton or email at housingbenefits@gedling.gov.uk
Housing and Council Tax Benefit used to be awarded for a fixed "benefit period" usually 52 weeks and a "renewal" claim needed to be made each year. From 5 April 2004 "benefit periods" were abolished and claims do not require to be renewed. However certain claims highlighted by the Department of Works and Pensions must be reviewed and therefore you may receive a visit from a member of the Benefit staff or a shortened version of the claim form through the post. If you are asked to complete a shortened form you must ensure it is fully completed and either passed to the Visiting Officer or returned to Benefit Section promptly or your benefit will be suspended and later cancelled.
You must notify the Housing Benefit section immediately in writing of any changes in your circumstances.
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