Verification Framework
What is the Verification Framework (VF)?
The Government is committed to reducing poverty and developing an active benefit system, which supports work, savings and honesty.
The Verification Framework (VF) aims to:
- ensure benefits are paid to those in genuine need of help
- tackle any fraud or error entering the benefit system
- carry out on-going checks in respect of Housing Benefit (HB) and Council Tax Benefit (CTB) claims
- get value for taxpayers' money
How does the VF affect North Wiltshire District Council?
North Wiltshire District Council is committed to the Government's guidelines for VF and in common with other Local Authorities (LAs) is therefore required to collect appropriate information and evidence in support of claims for benefit. LAs are required to determine HB and CTB entitlement in accordance with the law.
How will VF affect me?
It is a requirement of VF that people in receipt of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit are periodically sent an intervention form or visited in their homes to:
- confirm residency
- confirm identity
- verify information provided on their claim form
- provide evidence in support of the claim
- confirm on-going entitlement to HB and/or CTB
- record and adjust for any changes in circumstances which may have occurred
Why does the Local Authority need to request information from me?
Local Authorities are required to collect evidence before determining a claim under Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Regulations.
What evidence can the Local Authority request from me?
It is a specific requirement of the legislation that LAs only seek evidence that is reasonable. The Data Protection Act requires that all the information or evidence collected by the LA for a benefit claim must be adequate, relevant to that claim and not excessive.
What information is required from me?
The type of information we are required to request from you in respect of VF is the same as when you apply for Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Benefit and includes:
- Evidence of identity, e.g. UK passport, UK resident's permit, driving licence, National Insurance number card or recently paid gas or electricity bill.
- Proof of capital, savings and investments, e.g. full bank statements for the most recent 8 weeks, bank, building society or post office books, certificates for premium bonds, National Savings Certificates, ISAs, stocks, shares and unit trusts.
- Proof of earnings, e.g. recent payslips (i.e. 5 if paid weekly, 3 if paid fortnightly or 2 if paid monthly). If self-employed - accounts for the last financial year or summary of trading records if trading for less than 6 months.
- Proof of other income, e.g. pension slips/P60(s) from former employer(s), letter from court detailing maintenance being paid or proof of money paid to you for board and lodgings.
- Proof of benefits, allowances and pensions e.g. award notices, letters from the Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) confirming how much you get, or order books.
- Proof of private rent and tenancy e.g. signed tenancy agreement, letter from landlord or proof of payment.
- Proof of other money paid out, e.g. letters about student grants or maintenance, agreements or receipts for registered childminders.
We need the same proof for your partner, if you have one, and we may also need it for any other adults living in your home.
For the purpose of the Verification Framework only original documents can be accepted.
What happens following a VF intervention or visit?
A change of circumstances identified during an intervention or visit will cause a re-assessment of your entitlement. When a re-assessment causes an adjustment to your entitlement you will be notified of the details by letter.
If you are unable to provide the proof needed at the time of the intervention or visit you will be required to supply it within a further 28 days. Failure to supply the information may result in your claim being suspended.
To ensure a high standard of service is delivered a random quality check will be carried out following the VF visit. Therefore, some customers may be contacted, by telephone, for their views/comments on the visit.
Please remember that you are required to notify the Council without delay if there are any changes to your circumstances that might affect your claim. Giving incomplete or incorrect information may result in action being taken against you, including Court action.
Contacting us
You may get in contact with us in person at the Council's offices, by telephone, in writing, by fax or e-mail.
North Wiltshire District Council
Monkton Park
Chippenham
Wiltshire SN15 1ER
North Wiltshire District Council
Monkton Park
Chippenham
Wiltshire SN15 1ER
Reception opening times:
Monday to Thursday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
Friday 9.00 am to 4.30 pm
Friday 9.00 am to 4.30 pm
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