Verification Framework
The Government is committed to reducing poverty and developing
an active benefit system, which supports work, savings and honesty.
It is vital that administration of the Housing Benefit/Council Tax
Benefit system is secure, fair, provides help where it is needed
and is vigilant in tackling fraud to ensure value for taxpayers
money.
What does this mean for Rochford?
Rochford District Council is committed to paying Housing
Benefit/Council Tax Benefit quickly and correctly to genuine
claimants, making sure they receive the full benefit they are
entitled to.
As part of the Verification Framework, all claimants will be
visited in their home on an on-going basis. The visiting officer
will confirm that there have been no changes in circumstances since
the claim was made and will require to see original documentation
confirming the person's identity, their rent liability and
entitlement to state benefits.
- In addition to the proofs currently provided e.g. payslips,
rent books, bank statements etc claimants must produce proof of
identity and supply details of their National Insurance Number. All
proofs must be original documents (photocopies will not be
accepted) and all original documents will be returned.
- Some claimants will have to complete Review Forms more often
than they do now.
- The Verification Framework is not intended to make it more
difficult for a person to claim benefit. It is to ensure that those
entitled to receive benefit are paid correctly and on time and that
those attempting to abuse the system are identified and
stopped.