Preparing for your appointment

Citizens Advice Lincoln & Lindsey will provide you with: 

• Confidential advice. We will not tell anyone about your case and will not pass on anything from our records to anyone outside the Citizens Advice service without your permission, unless we are required to do so by law or it is the right and necessary thing to do. Our records are subject to quality checks. We will respect your data protection rights for any information you provide to us. Please ask to see our Privacy Policy if you would like to know more.

• Follow-up work. Any follow up work will be agreed between your adviser and you. This may include negotiating on your behalf with other organisations by letter or phone. We will discuss any offer with you before accepting it, unless you have specifically told us what to do. We may be able to offer representation at tribunals or small claims in the county court if the case is appropriate and we have the resources and you comply with what we expect from you.

• A complaints procedure, if you are not satisfied with the service we have provided. If you wish to complain, please ask for the leaflet which explains how to complain.

We cannot guarantee to take on all cases, even if someone is already a client. We may also have to stop advising you if we believe we cannot make progress on your case for you or there is no further good outcome that can be gained, or if you do not do what we expect of you.

In return, we expect you: 

• To keep appointments you have made with us or let us know in advance if you can’t make it.

• To inform us of any changes in your circumstances which may be relevant to your case. Examples of relevant changes are change of address, birth of a child, additional income

• To bring in all the papers relevant to your case which your adviser asks for. This includes notification of court or tribunal dates etc.

• Not to take action on your case on your own behalf without discussing it first with your adviser.

• To provide written evidence of your income, debts or other financial matters where appropriate. Your adviser will let you know what is needed.

• To follow our advice – unless you and your adviser agree you should do something different. 

• To be honest with us about the circumstances of your case, for instance by telling us about all your debts and income or what led up to your being asked to leave your employment.  

• To always treat our staff and volunteers with dignity and respect.

We reserve the right to stop advising you if:

• you turn down a reasonable offer from the other party because you wish to take the matter to a tribunal or court hearing. Your adviser will discuss with you whether an offer is reasonable in the circumstances.

• you do not follow our expectations listed here.

When you visit your local Citizens Advice, it's important that the adviser you speak to has as much information about your case as possible.

If you haven't got everything that's shown, don't worry - bring as much as you can find.

If you don't bring the necessary paperwork you might have to come back another time. This means it could take you longer to get the help you need.

It can be important to get help as soon as possible because you might only have a short amount of time to take action.

You should bring:

• all letters from government departments, such as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), for example, Jobcentre Plus, Pension Service, or your local council

• any decision letters that you're not happy with or want to challenge - this is essential

• your national insurance number

• proof of your income - for example, wage slips, benefit letters or tax credits

• a bank statement - latest copy

• details of any savings you have

• your tenancy agreement or mortgage details

If you would like an adviser to check that you are receiving all the benefits and tax credits you're entitled to, bring the following information for everyone who lives in your home:

• dates of birth

• if employed or self-employed - number of hours worked

• gross income from employment for the last tax year - April 6 to April 5  - a P60 form will provide this, or if self employed, last year’s accounts

• gross income for this year - payslips or estimate if self-employed

• if you are currently receiving benefits, bring all the benefit award letters

• child care costs - details of childcare provider and how much you pay

• investment income - details of investments and latest interest payments (bank statements may be the best way to show this)

• tenancy agreement or current mortgage repayment details

• council tax bill

You should bring:

• details of your income - for example, wage slips, benefit letters or tax credits

• a bank statement - latest copy

• details of all those that you owe money to and how much - bring the latest statements and demands for payment

• copies of any original loan agreements

• copies of any court papers

• details of your household expenditure including how much you spend on food, transport, phone and energy bills

• copies of the latest correspondence you have received - for example, letters from bailiffs

You should bring:

• your tenancy agreement and any letters from your landlord - if you're renting

• your mortgage details - if you have a mortgage

• any court papers

• title deeds - if you own your home

• proof of your income - for example, wage slips, benefit letters or tax credits

You should bring:

• a copy of your employment contract

• details of any disciplinary, grievance or dismissal issues

• any recent letters from your employer

• your staff handbook, if you have one

• a copy of employment tribunal applications - if you have made any

• proof of your income - for example, wage slips, benefit letters or tax credits

ou should bring:

• any paperwork or letters relating to the issue

• any court documents or legal agreements

• proof of your income - for example, wage slips, benefit letters or tax credits

• a copy of your divorce papers

You should bring:

• full details of the goods or services causing the problem

• copies of any contracts or credit agreements

• any recent letters about the problem

• proof of purchase - such as receipt or credit card slip

• proof of your income - for example, wage slips, benefit letters or tax credits

You should bring any paperwork, letters or other correspondence relating to the issue.