Housing Services in Bexley
The Verification Framework - Important Changes from 18 September 2006
What is the Verification Framework?
The Verification Framework (VF) sets out the minimum standards of evidence required to support your claim and ongoing checks while you are receiving Housing and Council Tax benefit. The VF was set up by the Department for Work and Pensions to reduce the amount of fraud and error entering the benefits system.
How will this affect you?
When you make your first claim for benefits you will need to let us see original documents for proof of your identity, National Insurance number, income, savings and rent. We can no longer accept photocopies. The benefits application form has full details of acceptable types of ID and evidence. Any further changes you inform us about will also require original documentation. You can bring your documents to the Reception Centre in Erith who will take the information that is needed, and you will be given your original documents back straight away. If you send your information by post, we will copy the documents and return the originals to you straight away.
Will this delay my benefit?
No, as long as you provide all the original documents requested to support your claim we will aim to process your claim within 14 days. You should still send your claim form back to us even if you do not have all the information we need. You can let us have the information later, as long as we receive it within one month from the date you made your claim.
What if I cannot provide original documents?
If you cannot provide original documents we can accept information from a third party such as your employer or landlord. However your claim will not be dealt with until all information has been provided.
Will the Verification Framework make any difference to the amount of benefit I receive?
No, once you have provided all the information your benefit will calculated in the same way as it is now.
What happens after I have made a claim?
Your claim will be checked and assessed by the Benefits Office. You will then be notified by post of any entitlement, and how this will be paid.
How will the Verification Framework affect my landlord?
We will need to see proof of your rent before we can pay any Housing Benefit. This can be either a rent book, tenancy agreement, or letter from your landlord. Whatever proof you supply, it must include:
- Your landlord's full name and address, or the full name and address of the managing agent, together with the landlord's full name.
- The date your tenancy agreement started.
- The amount of rent for the property.
- What is included in the rent, for example, gas, electricity, water rates, meals etc.
- How often the rent is due for payment.
- How long the tenancy will last.
If you do not have the proof that is needed yourself, you can ask us for a form for your landlord to complete, showing these details. Providing you qualify for Housing Benefit, this may be paid to you or your landlord.
Where can I get advice?
Our Benefits Service is located at:
Erith Town Hall
PO Box 713
Walnut Tree Road
Erith
Kent DA8 1TL
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
or
telephone: 0845 302 3200 (local rate), lines open 8am to 6pm
General Information and Advice
Bexley Council website: www.bexley.gov.uk
Bexley Civic Offices
Broadway
Bexleyheath
Kent DA6 7LB
Please note the Civic Offices will not be able to help with specific benefit queries.
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