Make a claim for benefits

Council Tax Support, Housing Benefit, Universal Credit, Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP), benefits calculators, sending evidence to support your claim

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Send evidence for your benefit claim

You must send us evidence to support your claim for Council Tax Support, Housing Benefit or Discretionary Housing Payments.

Send us your evidence online

Use the online form below to send us evidence to support your benefit claim:

Submit evidence documents

If you are self-employed, use the online form below to send us details of your income and outgoings:

Declare self-employed income and expenditure

How to send evidence

  1. Take a photo or a scan of your documents. Save this on your device (phone, tablet or computer).
  2. Open the online form and add your details. Tick the box for the type of benefit you are applying for.
  3. Click on the 'Upload and attach file' button at the top of the form.
  4. Click on the 'Choose file' box. Browse your device and attach the relevant document. A message confirming the successful upload of your document should appear.
  5. If you have more than one document to attach, repeat the above actions.
  6. When you have attached all documents, click on the 'Submit' button.
  7. You will then be sent a confirmation email, if you have added your email address.

What evidence you must provide

You will be told what evidence to provide when you apply online for a benefit. See the previous page for links to benefit application forms.

For all benefit applications, you will need to provide the following:

  • Your passport or full UK driving licence.
  • If you have neither of the above: Your national identity card (European National) or proof of your immigration status.
  • Your National Insurance (NI) number. This must be on a letter from either the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

You may also be asked to provide information about:

  • rent and residency
  • earnings
  • savings and investments
  • self-employment and company director details
  • benefits and Tax Credits
  • pensions
  • child care charges
  • student status and student income

When to send evidence

You must give all of the proof we ask for within one month of the date we ask for it. Any delays may prevent us from paying your benefits. If you require more time, let us know why and how long you need. 

If more evidence is required, we will write to you separately. 

Backdated claims

You can apply for a backdated claim of up to one month if you:

  • have a good reason for a late claim
  • can provide proof to support your claim, such as a hospital stay or mental incapacity