If your housing case is funded under our Legal Aid contract  we need documentary evidence of all money that came in to your household in the last month – and certain of your expenses – before we can help you. If you have a partner THIS APPLIES TO THEM TOO unless we agree there are very exceptional reasons why not.

You must bring proof of your income to your first appointment. If you do not bring the correct and appropriate proof of income it may mean that our advisors will not be able to meet with you. Please read this page carefully to be sure that you have the relevant documents. You can also download and print a checklist of this information to help you.

If you have any queries please telephone the centre on 020 7831 7079.

Bank Statements

We need to see statements COVERING THE LAST MONTH for EACH bank, building society and savings accounts you and your partner hold. The last couple of months would be ideal.

Where your income (and your partner’s, if you have one) includes ANY of the following, we need to see proof of EACH OF THEM:

Wages/Salary

  • If you, and/or your partner, have been working and are paid monthly or four–weekly, ALL PAYSLIPS TO COVER THE LAST MONTH.
  • If paid weekly or fortnightly, the LAST FOUR PAYSLIPS.

Benefits/Tax Credits

We need to know what benefits and tax credits come into your household, including any paid to your partner and in respect of any children.

Usually, the last benefit and/or tax credit award letter or proof it is still being paid will be enough. This is why we ask for recent bank statements as these usually help prove what you receive.

Other Income

We also need evidence of ANY OTHER INCOME such as pensions, shares, dividends, maintenance, student grants/loans, interest from savings etc. Please bring bank statements covering the last month.

Self-Employed

Recent bank statements showing income and your drawings or, working accounts/cash book showing drawings. Most recent tax assessment, set of accounts or letter from an accountant would also help prove how much money you earned in the last month.

No Income

A signed and dated letter from the person/agency supporting you. It must say HOW they are supporting you e.g. bed and board. If it is money it should say how much money you’ve been given in the month up to and including the date of your appointment with us.

Expenses

Bank statements showing any maintenance and/or childcare expenses you have paid in the month up to the date you see us. Also, proof of any rent/mortgage you are liable to pay each month.
 

© 2017 Mary Ward Centre
Mary Ward Legal Centre
10 Great Turnstile
London
WC1V 7JU

Registered Charity number: 1024148
Company limited by guarantee number: 2786099
VAT number: 56459 11 22

Phone: 020 7831 7079
Fax: 020 7831 4531