This topic gives you guidance about what evidence is suitable to prove where you live (when you are applying to the Council for housing).

The Council is likely to ask for at least two pieces of evidence to confirm that you are living at the address you put on your application. A possible exception to this would be if you are applying to transfer from a property owned by the same landlord.

If you are living or have lived in another social housing tenancy then the Council will request a report on your tenancy from that other social landlord, and this should be sufficient evidence on its own.

Types of Identification

The following is a guide as to what information could be used as proof of residence/address:

• Proof of Income/Benefits;

• Medical Certificate;

• Letter of support from Social Worker/G.P/Health Visitor or other Health Professional;

• Utility Bill (gas/water/electricity/Council Tax);

• Bank /Building Society Statement;

• Driving Licence;

• Home phone bill;

• Mortgage Statement;

• Council Tax Statement;

• Tenancy Agreement;

• NHS/Medical Card;

• Credit Card Bill;

• Electoral Registration.

Where necessary, the Council may contact your landlord (or the owner of the property you live in) to make checks.

If you have children, the Council will probably want to see Child Benefit details. This could be in the form of a letter from the CB Agency or details provided on a bank statement.