1. Documenting Life in the UK
March 3rd 2017

2. Employment National Insurance Records Tax Records – P60 and P45
Names and addresses of employers
State Pension Forecast
Private Pensions or Company Pension contributions
Proof of national insurance number
Payslips
Letters from employers
Statement of earnings from employers
Registration with employment agencies
Benefit records (if client has been able to claim legally in UK). DWP NI contributions will be included in national insurance records.

3. Housing History Housing History – see template
Tenancy agreements & rental agreements
Letters from previous landlords, friends or partners that client resided with
Mortgage records
Check with Property Register or Land registry records to search for previous landlords

4. Financial Records Bank statements Credit card statements and receipts
Utility bills
Insurance – Buildings and Contents, car, health
Phone contracts
Post Office Card Account (if has claimed benefits using this method of payment)

5. Health Records GP Registration
Medical Records – both as evidence of life in UK and for medical conditions
Medical insurance

6. Relationships – Partner & Children
Birth certificates of children
Joint undertakings such as tenancies, bill payments
Links with other agencies such as Social Services
School records of children or yourself (write to school or search local archives for details of pupils)
Exam records and educational qualifications

7. Life in the community
CHAIN records – if client has been rough sleeping
Photos of family, social events, correspondence from friends and family – date, list persons and occasion on back
Links with established community organisations – churches, interest groups, resident associations etc.
Evidence of volunteering – be aware of rules around volunteering – lunch and travel expenses only
Travel documentation – registered Oyster card, season tickets, travel in and out of the UK during period of legal residence
Driving licence – DVLA car registration
Use of social media

8. Writing letters of support – Part 1
A standard supporting letter or statement should generally include the following:
• Your full name
• Signed and Dated
• Your date of birth (if the letter is not in a professional capacity)
• Your personal/professional address, contact details and occupation
• Your nationality or immigration status (if your letter is not in a professional capacity)
• Your relationship to the individual i.e. professional, social etc
• How long have you known the individual;
• How did you meet them – where and when;
• How often do you physically see them and why (if relevant);
• Any comments regarding the client and their history here in the UK (give examples and try to specify the month and/or year when events happened);

9. Letters of Support – Part 2
• Any comments about the client in terms of his character or your interactions with him – give examples (try to give the month or year when events happened)
• A brief explanation of why you think they should be allowed to remain in the UK (remember to include any practical reasons, avoid expressing any political views or opinions – relevant facts only)
• Any other helpful comments or supporting evidence specific to the client and their situation i.e. photographs, articles, reports, records, s, printouts from social media etc.
Letters of support from any friends should be accompanied with photocopies of their passports or photographic ID (which have a signature) to prove their identity.
Letters must also be typed and signed where possible.