Documents Required

In order to make the best decision about your circumstances, the Council needs to know full details of your current circumstances and past residencies.  When you apply as homeless you may be asked many questions about your current and past circumstances. You may also be asked to provide evidence of your circumstances.  It is in your interests to supply requested information quickly as it assists the Council in making the best decision.

The risk of providing false information

If you approach us for help because you are homeless, or threatened with homelessness, we are required by law to investigate your circumstances. To help us do this you are also required by law to provide any information we may need. If you fail to do this, or if you provide false information, you will be committing an offence and may be prosecuted.

According to S214(2)&(3) Housing Act 1996, it is a criminal offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement or knowingly withhold information which an Authority has reasonably required in connection with the exercise of its functions under Part 7.

Additionally, if you fail to provide information we have requested, or fail to make contact when asked to, we may withdraw your application.

In order to complete our enquiries, the Council may need details of any or all of the following:

Proof of Homelessness. This means a legally valid Notice to Quit, a Court Possession Order, a Bailiff’s Warrant, documents from your bank or mortgage company, a letter from your employer for tied accommodation or a letter from the people you are living with stating the date on which you must leave.

Proof of Personal Details. These may vary according to individual circumstances but the Council may require any or all of the following documentation:

• Identification for all individuals on the application. This means birth certificates, passports or driving licences.
• Proof of any claims of pregnancy.
• Proof of responsibility for any dependent children.
• National Insurance numbers.
• Proof of all benefits received.
• Wage slips for the past 3 months.
• Bank statements for the past 3 months.
• Current tenancy agreement.
• Proof of all past addresses for the past 5 years for all individuals who are applying. This might mean utility bills, correspondence and proof of sale of properties. 
• For any evictions due to rental or mortgage arrears, the Council will require a financial plan to be completed.  Proof of all income sources, bills and other outgoings will be required in order to fully investigate any applicant’s financial situation and ability to pay.
• If relevant, the Council may also require documents proving you are eligible for assistance, proof of divorce, or any other legal documents relevant to an individuals circumstances.

Proof of Special Circumstances. If you have a medical problem the Council will require proof of this. It may be necessary to contact your GP or any other specialist who has been involved with you. You may be asked to provide any or all of the following documents:

• Incapacity Benefit books.
• Details of any medical condition from a qualified professional.
• Medical Card/NHS number.
• Disability Registration Card.
• Contact details for your social worker, probation worker or other specialist help you may be receiving.
• Details of police crime numbers or dates of police involvement, where relevant.

Proof of Local Connection. You will be required to show that you have a local connection with the North Dorset area. This means that you  have lived in the area for 6 out of the past 12 months or 3 out of the past 5 years. We may check Council Tax records or the electoral register to confirm this.

• Proof that you have permanent employment in the area.
• Proof that you have immediate relatives living in the area and that they have lived here for over 5 years.

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