What happens to my documents?

During the year we receive about 60,500 documents into the secure Benefits Post room.  This equates to approximately 300,000 pieces of paper.

We have 2 scanners and a digital camera, that we use to copy and scan all your documents into our Document Management System.  We aim to scan all documents within 24 hours of receiving them.

You often send us valuable documents such as passports and benefit books.  We have rebust procedures for looking after your dccuments.  We aim to list, scan and return your valuable documents to you by Recorded Delivery within 24 hours of getting them.  If we have to keep your documents for longer than that, we store them in our safe.  We keep a log of all items stored in our safe and take every precaution to guarantee security of your documents.

We have 2 officers who carry out visits to review benefit claims.  These officers use tablet PCs to complete your form and they take photographs of supporting evidence.  This means we do not have to take away any of your valuable documents.

We make every effort to safeguard your documents.  However, to guarantee their safety, we recommend you bring your documents to our reception counter.  We can then photocopy or photograph and return to you immediately.