Finding somewhere to live

Documents that prove you qualify

If you are successful in bidding for a property and have been shortlisted as one of the top 6 bidders, you must provide documents to support your application within 2 working days, otherwise you will be bypassed for the property.

Evidence to be provided is shown below.

Identity and eligibility

What's being assessed Evidence needed When it's needed
Identity of applicant Photo ID such as:
  • Passport
  • Driving licence
  • Citizen card
  • UK ID card
  • Thurrock bus pass photo ID
 When you are shortlisted for a property
Identity of joint applicant Photo ID such as:
  • Passport
  • Driving licence
  • Citizen card
  • UK ID card
  • Thurrock bus pass photo ID
 When you are shortlisted for a property
Identity all other adult household members Photo ID such as:
  • Passport
  • Driving licence
  • Citizen card
  • UK ID card
  • Thurrock bus pass photo ID
 When you are shortlisted for a property
Identity all child household members Passport or birth certificate When you are shortlisted for a property

Local connection

What's being assessed Evidence needed When it's needed
Evidence of address Utility bills or bank statements in the applicants name showing current and past 6 years' residence, or council tax bills for past 6 years, or tenancy agreement for past 6 years When you submit your application
Evidence of family living in borough Name and address of a family member and proof of relationship to the applicant, plus council tax bills or other official evidence showing their residence in the borough for the past 6 years - documents accepted include:
  • full birth certificates
  • evidence of any name changes, such as marriage certificate, deed poll, decree nisi
 When you submit your application

Financial criteria

What's being assessed Evidence needed When it's needed
Evidence of income for both joint applicants
  • Last 3 month wage slips
  • Interest earned on all investments, bank accounts, building society accounts, ISAs, and so on
 When you are shortlisted for a property
Proof of all benefits Award letter or most recent bank statement showing all payments received When you are shortlisted for a property
Evidence of savings Copies of last 6 months bank and building society accounts When you are shortlisted for a property
Evidence of assets
  • Last 3 months' statements for all bank and building society accounts, including ISAs
  • Evidence of any investments, stocks, shares, and so on
 When you are shortlisted for a property
Evidence of home ownership Copy of land registry document When you are shortlisted for a property
Evidence of equity in property
  • Valuation of property within last 6 months
  • Mortgage statement within last 6 months
 When you are shortlisted for a property

Household make‐up

What's being assessed Evidence needed When it's needed
Evidence of children living in household Child benefit for children When you are shortlisted for a property
Evidence of non-dependents living in household Bank statements or other official document showing address When you are shortlisted for a property
Evidence of shared care of children
  • Birth certificate of child
  • Proof of parental responsibility
  • Court order
 Registration
Evidence of pregnancy Letter from GP or midwife with expected birth date, or Estimated Date of Delivery (EDD) form Registration

Armed forces

What's being assessed Evidence needed When it's needed
Evidence of service in the armed forces Discharge letter or payslip Registration

Current tenancy

What's being assessed Evidence needed When it's needed
Proof of residence Tenancy agreement When you are shortlisted for a property
Evidence of clear rent account Rent statement from landlord When you are shortlisted for a property

Working households

What's being assessed Evidence needed When it's needed
Evidence of employment
  • 12 months' payslips or 12 months' bank statements showing salary received
  • current contract showing employment for 16 hours or more each week
 Registration
Evidence of community work Letter from charity manager confirming the number of hours volunteered or evidence of caring or volunteering Registration
Evidence of caring responsibilities Copy of letter from Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirming award of Carers Allowance Registration

Sheltered housing

What's being assessed Evidence needed When it's needed
Evidence of need for sheltered housing If aged 55 to 60, evidence of higher rate Disability Living Allowance or enhanced Personal Independence Payment, and a completed sheltered housing assessment outlining need for support Registration