We are who we are but can we prove it? When we need public services, they assume we have everything to hand. What should we have ready at all times?
If we need to claim Universal Credit, or many other public services, we’ll need ID (identification) to show who we are. Not everyone has a passport or driving licence, which are the main forms of ID the government accepts. If we don’t have these, there are other options. Here’s what we can use and what to expect:
- Bank Statements or Government Letters: We might be able to use recent bank statements or letters from the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) or HMRC (tax office). These letters usually need to be less than three months old.
- Employer or Professional Letters: Sometimes, the Jobcentre may accept a letter from our employer or another professional, like a probation worker, that confirms our details.
- Local ID Cards: Some areas have local resident cards, like a “Bath Resident Card,” which we might be able to use if we’re in that area. Check if the local council offers anything similar.
- Answering Biometric Questions: If we don’t have any official ID, Jobcentre staff may ask a few security questions. These are usually about past benefits we’ve claimed. We don’t have to get every answer right to pass.
- Foreign Nationals: If we’re from outside the UK, we’ll need documents to prove our right to live and work here, such as a letter confirming “leave to remain” status.
Every Jobcentre can have slightly different rules, and they might accept different forms of ID depending on where we live. When calling to book an ID appointment, ask what to bring. It’s smart to get this ready before we start our Universal Credit application so we don’t have delays in getting your money.
For official information about forms of ID, check out the Home Office webpage.
