Rent Allowance/P45?

[acacia]

I have just applied for rent allowance, and have been asked to supply P45s from my previous two employments, from three years ago.
I am currently on a Back to Education Allowance, and had been on JA prior to that from 2006, so I am wondering if the request for P45s is correct.
I don't have the documents - I gave the first one to an employer (in 2006), and the second one to my SW office when I first signed on (also in 2006). Therefore, I am wondering if they are really necessary as it may take a while to get copies, and I want minimal delay on my claim. Also, would a statement from my local revenue office suffice?

 

[gipimann]

The CWO may require the P45 to verify that you haven't been working since you began your education course (because you can work part-time while in receipt of BTEA). The Social Welfare Office dealing with your JA/BTEA claim should be able to give you a copy of the one on their file.