What is the Verification Framework?

The Government has introduced the Verification Framework to make sure that benefits are paid to those who need them, and at the same time making sure that the system is secure from fraud. The framework sets out new procedures and instructions on how claims for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit should be dealt with.

Waltham Forest Council is adopting the framework to make sure that those entitled to receive benefit are paid correctly and on time and those attempting to abuse the system are identified and stopped.

The Verification Framework has strict rules that the Council has to abide by and requires that every person claiming benefit provides original and verifiable documentation to support their claim.

How does this affect you?

We can only accept original documents as evidence to support your claim for benefit. Keep originals of any documents or letters that may help to prove who you are and how much money you have coming in. We will also need to see documents showing your savings and proving how much rent you pay.

If original documents cannot be provided, the claim will not be processed unless we are satisfied that the information is valid. You will need to contact us for more details.

How will I know what information to provide?

We are redesigning the benefit claim. Full details of the documentation required in relation to identity, income, savings and capital will be included on the Benefit application form. For more details about evidence please see below.  

What if I do not have all the documents?

You should not delay returning the form if you do not have all the supporting information that the form asks for, otherwise you may lose benefit. We will write to you if you have not sent all the necessary evidence. Unfortunately, this will delay the processing of the claim.

What if I can not come to the office because of an illness or disability?

A home visit can be arranged. The visiting officer will come and see you in your home and verify all the supporting evidence.

Should I send valuable documents in the post?

Do not send valuable documents like payment books through the post.

We strongly advise that you bring payment books to our office rather than post them.

How often will checks be made?

Once a claim is in payment, we will regularly check to make sure that you are still entitled to claim benefit. These checks include unannounced visits to your home.  

What do I do if my circumstances change?  

You must tell us every time your circumstances change including changes to the award of benefit made by other Government departments, e.g. when child benefit and/ or Family Credit changes.  

When are the changes going to take place?

We are aiming to introduce the changes from July 2002. Further details will be made available in due course.

How will my identity be checked?

  • You will be required to provide two forms of identification, one of which should have your National Insurance (NI) number on it. If you have a partner, you will be required to provide evidence of their identity as well.

Proof of identity:

We will accept the following documents as evidence of identity:

(Listed alphabetically and not in order of importance)

  • Bank statements (dated within 4 weeks of the claim)
  • Benefit payments book
  • Birth Certificate(full or short)
  • Certificate of employment in HM forces
  • Certificate of employment in the Merchant Navy
  • Credit cards
  • Divorce/Annulment papers
  • Driving licence
  • Home Office Standard Acknowledgement Letter (SAL1 or 2)
  • Identity Card issued by an EEA or EC member state
  • Letter from solicitor/social worker/probation officer/Inland Revenue
  • Life assurance/insurance policies
  • Marriage certificate
  • Medical card
  • National Insurance Number Card
  • Passport (current and valid)
  • UK Residence Permit
  • Utility bill paid in the person's name in the last quarter
  • Wage slips from current employer

What other information will be required?

In addition to evidence of identity, we will need to see original documents proving:

  • the income you and your family receive
  • any capital owned by either you or your partner
  • the rent you have paid or the arrears due
  • the tenancy of the accommodation you want to claim for

What can I do to have my claim processed quickly?

Your claim can be worked out more quickly if you give us all the information and proof asked for with your claim form.

But do not delay sending in the form if you do not have all the information, or else you may lose benefit.

You can also provide us with your contact details e.g. home telephone number, work telephone number, mobile number or email address. We will be able to contact you to resolve any queries and process your claim quickly.

Contact Us:

Please contact us at Revenue Services if you have any queries.
To help us deal with your query more efficiently please use our Online Enquiry Form.