Proof of Income

If you are claiming benefit we will need to see evidence of any income that you have earned.

If you are on Income Support, income-based Job Seeker's Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance, we usually get proof from the Benefits Agency. We can accept proof from you, but we may also contact the Benefits Agency.

If you have moved recently, you must tell the Benefits Agency or they will give us the wrong address and that will delay your claim.

If you are not on Income Support, income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance, we will need to see proof of all the income received by you and your partner.

The following are all acceptable as evidence of income that you have earned through employment:

• the last five weekly or two monthly pay slips for each job you and your partner have
• a certificate of earnings, which must have the declaration, signed by the employer
• a letter from your employer.

Each of the above must include:

• name and address of the employer
• number of hours worked and for what period
• gross income for the year to date and the period covered
• any Income Tax deducted for the year to date and the period covered
• any National Insurance contributions deducted for the year to date and the period covered
• any occupational or personal pension contributions deducted, if relevant
• any details of overtime bonuses or commission paid
• any details of statutory sick pay or maternity pay

If you are self employed and the business is more than 12 months old:

We need to see a copy of your or your partner's profit and loss account or most recent business accounts for the last 12 months. Copies of accounts must include all of the following:

• proof of all expenses
• a letter from the Inland Revenue confirming income tax and National Insurance contributions
• a letter from the firm that runs your personal pension scheme showing contributions made.

If you are self employed and the business is less than 12 months old:

Please phone (0151) 606 2002 and ask for a Certificate of Self Employed Income, or complete the Self Employed earnings information form.

Please remember, all documents must be originals. Photocopies will not be accepted.