Evidence Bridges 101: Linking Old Names, New Addresses & Missing Dates in HRP Claims

HRP Evidence Bridges 101 | Link Old Names, New Addresses & Missing Dates

HRP Evidence Bridges

Evidence Bridges 101: Linking Old Names, New Addresses & Missing Dates in HRP Claims

HRP decisions rely on clear, dated and linked evidence. Real life isn’t tidy: names change, people move, and documents lose their dates. Evidence bridges connect the dots so caseworkers can see who you are, where you lived, who claimed Child Benefit, and which tax years the documents cover.

Why “bridging” matters in HRP

HRP outcomes depend heavily on how well documents are linked together. A clean bridge removes guesswork and lets a caseworker follow your history year by year. The goal is simple: show identity, address, care and Child Benefit continuity across relevant tax years.

The bridge toolkit (A/B/C codes)

• A-series (Child Benefit): A1 = CB award/renewal; A2 = bank ref to CB; A3 = HMRC CB letter.
• B-series (Care context): B1 = GP/consultant note; B2 = care plan; B3 = school/attendance letters.
• C-series (Identity & address bridges):
  • C1 = photo ID
  • C2 = name change (marriage/deed poll)
  • C3 = address link (council tax / tenancy / mortgage)
  • C4 = utility/bank tying person to address & month/year

Label files consistently: A1_CB_Award_1993.pdf, C2_MarriageCert_1994.pdf, etc.

Bridging name changes (maiden → married → deed poll)

Use:

• C2: marriage certificate or deed poll
• C1: photo ID to anchor identity
• C3/C4: address items around the change

Annex note example: 1993–94 • Basis: Child Benefit • CB claimant: Mrs S (formerly Miss R) • Codes: A1, C2, C3 • Note: Marriage in Oct-93; council tax bridges name change.

Bridging address moves (same year or mid-year)

Use:

• C3 = council tax or tenancy/mortgage at both addresses
• C4 = bank/utility statement from the move month
• A-series = Child Benefit reference at old → new address

Annex note example: 1996–97 • Basis: Child Benefit • Codes: A2, C3, C4 • Note: Move in Jan-97; CT + bank show continuity.

Bridging undated or weak items

Pair each weak item with a dated partner from the same address or issuer.

• Undated CB letter + dated bank ref
• Undated GP note + dated appointment/letter
• Old ID + dated address docs

Example cover line: “Exhibit C3a (council tax Apr-96) bridges Exhibit A2 (undated bank acknowledgment) to 1996–97.”

Child Benefit changed hands mid-year

If CB moved between partners, record the month and include evidence from both sides.

Annex note example: 2001–02 • Basis: Child Benefit • Claimant: Partner B (from Sep-01) • Codes: A1 (B), A3 (change), C3.

Building a clean annex (with bridges)

Your annex should contain one line per tax year:

File-naming & scanning standards

• One exhibit per PDF.
• No cropped names/dates.
• Code-first filenames.
• Add year tags where relevant.

Cover note template (bridging version)

“Please record HRP for the tax years listed in the annex. Exhibits A-series evidence Child Benefit; B-series show care/school/GP links; C-series bridge identity, name changes and address history. Where a document lacked a visible date, it was bridged using a dated partner item at the same address. All exhibits are clear and legible with names/dates visible.”

Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

• No C2 for name change → add marriage/deed poll + C3/C4.
• Undated documents sent alone → always pair with a dated partner.
• Address jump → use council tax + bank/utility for the move month.
• Messy filenames → code-first naming.
• No annex → caseworkers must sift raw papers.

FAQs

Do I need originals?

Start with clear scans; send originals only if requested.

What if CB letters are missing?

Use A2 bank refs, A3 HMRC letters, and C3/C4 for residence continuity.

Can I bridge a GP note from the wrong month?

Yes — pair it with a dated appointment or school record from the year.

Build your HRP bridges now

Evanshaw will map name/address changes, pair undated items with dated partners, and assemble a clean, coded HRP annex.

Start Your Free HRP Check