When you visit an agency for advice, it's important that the adviser you speak to has as much information about your case as possible.

If you don't bring the necessary paperwork with you, you may have to come back another time. This means it could take you longer to get the help you need.

This page gives you an idea of the kind of information it's useful to bring with you. If you haven't got everything that's shown, don't worry - bring as much as you can find.

It's sometimes important to get help as soon as possible because you may only have a short amount of time to take certain action.

Below we have listed the kind of information you should bring according to the problem you have:

Problems with Benefits

• all letters from government departments, such as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) e.g. Jobcentre Plus, Pension Service, or Stockton Borough Council
• decision letters - this is essential as you will usually have less than a month in which to challenge a decision.
• your national insurance number
• proof of your income - wage slips, benefit letters, tax credits
• bank statement - latest copy
• details of any savings
• tenancy agreement or mortgage details.

Welfare Benefit Check

If you would like an adviser to check that you are receiving all the benefits and tax credits you're entitled to, bring the following information for everyone who lives in your home:
• dates of birth
• if employed or self-employed - number of hours worked
• gross income from employment for the last tax year - April 6 to April 5 - a P60 form will provide this, or if self employed, last year’s accounts
• gross income for this year - payslips or estimate if self-employed
• if you are currently receiving benefits, bring your most recent benefit award letters
• child care costs - details of childcare provider and how much you pay
• investment income - details of investments and latest interest payments. Bank statements may be the best way to show this
• tenancy agreement or current mortgage repayment details
• council tax bill.

Debt and Money Problems

• details of your income - wage slips, benefit letters, tax credits
• bank statement - latest copy
• details of all those that you owe money to and how much - bring the latest statements and demands for payment
• copy of original loan agreements
• copy of any court papers
• details of your household expenditure - how much you spend on food, transport, phone and energy bills etc. You can use the Budgeting Tool under our MANAGING YOUR MONEY section to help you draft a budget. This can be printed off to take with you to your appointment
• copy of the latest correspondence you have received - e.g. letters from creditors.

Housing Problems

• tenancy agreement, letters from your landlord - if you're renting
• mortgage details - if you have a mortgage
• any court papers
• proof of your income - wage slips, benefit letters, tax credits.
• Any details you have about the tenancy deposit scheme you landlord has used.

Employment Problems

• copy of your employment contract
• details of any disciplinary, grievance or dismissal issues
• any recent letters from your employer
• staff handbook
• copy of employment tribunal applications - if you have made any
• proof of your income - wage slips, benefit letters, tax credits.

Family and Relationship Problems

• any paperwork or letters relating to the issue
• court documents or legal agreements
• proof of your income - wage slips, benefit letters, tax credits

Consumer Problems

• full details of the goods or services causing the problem
• copy of any contracts or credit agreements
• any recent letters about the problem
• proof of purchase - such as receipt or credit card slip
• proof of your income - wage slips, benefit letters, tax credits.

Immigration or Asylum Problems

• all letters from the Home Office
• passport and details of any visas or permits
• proof of your income or NASS support - wage slips, benefit letters, tax credits.

Other Problems

Any paperwork, letters or other correspondence relating to the issue.