Suitable evidence for ECO4 Flex referral routes

Evidence

• Most recent year's tax return / P60 documentation. If this was issued 6+ months from when the Local Authority dates and issues the declaration, it may only be used in combination with additional evidence. If the householder has multiple jobs, then the householder will need to provide P60s for each job. Where additional income is being received that's not visible on the P60, additional evidence must also be provided e.g. bank statement(s) covering consecutive 3-month period from within the last 4 months prior to when the Local Authority dates and issues the declaration.

• Most recent year's annual income pension statement. Or if notified monthly, three from within the last 4 months prior to when the Local Authority has dated and issued the declaration.

• Three payslips alongside bank statements from the last 4 months prior to when the Local Authority has dated and issued the declaration, from all accounts receiving an income.

• Evidence such as P45 from within the last 4 months prior to when the Local Authority has dated and issued the declaration can be used in combination with other supporting evidence.

• As route 1 is based on the whole household income, provide confirmation of the number of adults residing at the address via council tax letters / tenancy agreements / mortgage statements / electoral register / soft credit check.

• Bank statements used as evidence for route 1 should show credit payments received, and the householder's name and address. Other information can be redacted if the householder wishes, provided that it is clear there has been no redaction of payments received.

• In cases where vulnerable customers are struggling to provide sufficient evidence, this can be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Local Authorities can take a view on what is appropriate and may ask Ofgem for advice where a specific household is struggling to provide requested evidence.

Evidence 

• Screenshot from the Local Authority confirming the household is within a Lower-layer Super Output Area (LSOA), supported by Office for National Statistics (ONS) data: ONS Postcode Directory look-up.

• Copy of council tax reduction eg a photo, an email, a PDF with name and address; or letter confirming reduction from Local Authority.

• Signed, referral letter from a Doctor / GP identifying that a person living at the premises is considered to be vulnerable to the cold and suffers from a health condition as stated in the NICE guidance: NG6, excluding the low income proxy (recommended). Or at least one of these non-exhaustive suggestions in written form, which may apply for other conditions/diseases etc in the NICE Guidelines (we recommend providing more for greater certainty):

o An NHS Summary Care Record provided it clearly states that the patient suffers from a health condition as stated in the NICE guidance or receives medication for the condition. The Summary Care Record must be authenticated with the GP practices stamp.

o People with cardiovascular conditions: hospital diagnosis letters, social worker referrals, copy of repeat prescriptions for child with asthma, or copies of referral letters to certain groups that help people with these conditions.

o People with disabilities: PIP, DLA or Attendance Allowance award notices.

o Older people (65 and older): birth, marriage certificate, passport, copy of bus pass, or pension statement.

o Households with young children (5 or under): birth certificate, school enrolment letter, or passport.

o Pregnant women: MAT B1 form to prove the householder was pregnant when the LA signed and issued the declaration.

Local Authorities can take a view on what is appropriate for how recent evidence must be at the point of application i.e. when Local Authorities send the declaration notification to Ofgem. For instance, if dated less than a year, annual allowances / awards are suitable.

• Signed letter from local coordinator / local authority that proves the household was eligible for a Local Authority-run scheme.

• Eligibility Checking Service (ECS), documentation showing eligibility for free school meals due to low-income provided by the Department for Education or from the school.

• Signed letter accompanied by proof of gas and electricity debt from the energy supplier or Citizens Advice, showing that the household has been referred to the Local Authority for support with their energy bills.

• PPM / non-PPM evidence (supplier provided data): Customer tariff data to indicate the customer's payment method.

Evidence

Official letter signed by either an NHS Trust, NHS Trust Board or a person registered in the General Practitioner Register. We would accept referrals from any health professional with a valid NHS email. This letter will need to state that the official signing the letter considers someone in the household to be suffering from one of the four health conditions: cardiovascular, respiratory, immunosuppressed, or limited mobility related. 

In recognition of doctor's and GP's time and effort, and to reduce their administrative burden, Ofgem have published a standard referral letter on their website that can be used for Route 2, proxy 3, and must be used for Route 3 unless the doctor / GP wants to use their own letter. For Route 2, proxy 6 Ofgem have published a standard referral letter for Citizen's Advice. They have also published an installer verification letter so that surveyors can notify eligible households to the Local Authority, and a household application form to allow eligible households to apply to their Local Authority. These letter and form templates can be found on the Ofgem website (opens new window).