What to bring to a bureau

This page tells you what to bring with you when you speak to an adviser. But don't wait to get advice if you haven't got all the information. There might be a deadline to take action, depending on your situation.

Debt and money problems

You should bring:

  • details of any money you owe to creditors

  • copies of contracts and agreements

  • copies of any court papers

  • proof of your income - payslips, benefits, pensions, and tax credits

  • any insurance documents you have

  • details of your household expenses - food, energy, internet, subscriptions

  • copies of the latest emails or letters you got about your debts

Housing problems

You should bring:

  • tenancy agreement and emails or letters from your landlord

  • any insurance documents you have

  • mortgage details and title deeds

  • proof of your income - payslips, benefits, pensions, and tax credits

Employment problems

You should bring:

  • employment contracts

  • details of any disciplinary, grievance, or dismissal issues

  • any recent letters from your employer

  • a copy of the staff handbook

  • copies of employment tribunal applications

  • proof of your income - payslips, benefits, pensions, and tax credits

Consumer problems

You should bring:

  • full details of the goods or services causing the problem

  • copies of any contracts and credit agreements

  • any recent letters about the problem

  • receipts or order confirmations

  • proof of your income - payslips, benefits, pensions, and tax credits

Immigration and asylum problems

You should bring:

  • all letters from Home Office

  • your passport and details of any visas or permits

  • proof of national asylum support service (NASS) support

  • proof of your income - payslips, benefits, pensions, and tax credits.

Family and personal issues

You should bring:

  • any paperwork or letters relating to the issue

  • proof of your income - payslips, benefits, pensions, and tax credits

  • copies of divorce papers

  • court documents or legal agreements

Welfare benefit issues

You should bring:

  • your National Insurance number

  • all letters or emails from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Social Security Scotland, Jobcentre Plus, Pension Service, or your local council

  • decision letters that you are not happy with or wish to challenge

  • proof of your income - payslips, benefits, pensions, and tax credits

  • your latest bank statements

  • details of any savings

  • tenancy agreement or mortgage details.

What to bring for a benefit check

If you want us to check that you're getting the benefits and tax credits you're entitled to, bring the following for everyone living in your home:

  • date of birth

  • employment status (including whether employed or self-employed)

  • number of hours worked

  • gross income from employment for the last tax year – this is April 6 to April 5. A P60 form will show this, or if you're self-employed, last year’s accounts

  • gross income for this year - bring your payslips or an estimate if you're self-employed

  • all benefit or tax credit award letters

  • evidence of your child care costs and that the carer is registered with the Care Inspectorate

  • details of investments and interest payments

  • rental agreement or current mortgage repayment

  • your most recent council tax bill

You can also check what benefits you could get using an online calculator.