If you receive a pension from another country, you may be asked to provide proof that you are alive and resident in the United Kingdom before your pension can continue to be paid.
The council can certify and stamp proof of life, proof of residence, or similar pension verification forms required by overseas pension providers.
Before you visit
Please ensure that all sections of your form that you are required to complete have been filled in before attending your appointment or visiting us.
Please note that council officers cannot advise you on how to complete your pension forms.
What to bring
Each person named on the form must attend in person and bring:
- The original form that requires certification or stamping
- A valid passport, photocard driving licence or other official photo identification
- Proof of your current address
Accepted proof of address
Please bring one of the following:
- A utility bill dated within the last three months
- A bank or building society statement dated within the last month
- A Council Tax bill for the current year
- A mortgage statement dated within the last year
- Another official document showing your name and current address
If the form relates to more than one person, all individuals named on the form must attend and provide identification.
What happens next
A council officer will:
- Verify your identity and address
- Witness your signature where required
- Stamp and certify the relevant form
The certified form will then be returned to you for submission to your pension provider.
Please note that acceptance of the certified form is at the discretion of the pension authority requesting it. The council cannot guarantee that a foreign pension provider will accept a certified document.
Cost
At present, the council does not charge for this service.
Charges may be introduced in the future, and this information will be updated if the council's fees change.
Book an appointment
The service is by appointment only. To arrange a proof of life or proof of residence appointment, please contact:
Democratic Services
DemocraticSupport@northtyneside.gov.uk
Tel: 0191 643 8505/7073
Appointments are available during normal council office hours.
Further information
This service is intended for residents who need certification of proof of life and/or residence for an overseas pension or similar benefit scheme.