Before you start an application for the Household Support Fund (HSF) or Discretionary Council Tax Relief (DCTR), you should gather the evidence ready to upload whilst completing the online application, that is required dependent on what you are applying for.

Evidence required for all cases:

• reasons for applying and what you are applying for.
• two months bank statements for all accounts that you (and any resident partner) hold, showing all transactions, covering the last two months (mini statements and phone screenshots are not acceptable). This includes any savings accounts for you (and partner) and any you hold for your children.

If applying for help paying for replacement or new white goods (oven/washing machine/fridge freezer) you must also provide:

• photographic evidence or short video clip of damaged/broken items or missing essentials items such as a cooker/washing machine is required.

If applying for help with moving in packs for new tenancies (white goods and beds) you must also provide:

• photographic evidence or short video clip of the interior of the property to confirm the property is unfurnished is required.

If applying for help with utility arrears you must also provide:

• proof of current utility arrears statements. This should be the full bill (front and back pages) showing the name and address of the supplier, the current amount owed, and your account number
• Further evidence may be requested at the council’s discretion

If applying for help within 6 months of a previous award and you have extenuating circumstances that meet the criteria, then you should provide:

• any evidence that you have, to support your application.

Other information requested in the application form:

• details of all household members and their income
• details of debts (loans/store cards/credit cards/car finance or debt agreement)
• details of rent or mortgage costs
• details of household expenses

Before you submit the application make sure you complete the form in full and upload all evidence needed (as indicated on the evidence checklist in the application form) to support your claim and avoid delay. If you fail to provide evidence needed in support of your application, your claim will be refused with no appeal rights.