ID problems moving to UC

Ether

Like many people I got the text telling me ESA was ending and I needed to have UC instead.

When I filled on the forms for UC I selected the option to indicate I had no photo ID (such as passport, driving licence or anything listed as they 'need 1' of), and not many of the other documents listed. For example I don't have a bank card (I do everything with telephone banking).

So they booked me a phone call, which I just had. Apparently they couldn't adequately verify my identity over the phone, so booked an appointment in person.

An in person appointment is going to be both draining, and expensive in taxis and support. On top of that I have no idea if it will help, as the appointment details indicate I need to take photo ID, which I've explained twice I don't have.

Has anyone else ended up in this position? Is there a way to resolve it?

It seems ridiculous as I am the same person, with the same health conditions, getting benefits paid to the same account as the DWP has always paid into.

Anyway. I've updated my 'journal' which apparently might get read, as that was what they told me to do on case of problems with the appointment. Not sure what else I can do, other than be increasingly stressed by it all.

Holly_Scope

Hi @Ether, sorry you've not heard back. I think in all circumstances I've seen they're quite strict on ensuring they verify your ID. Did you're appointment go ahead? Hopefully it went ok and you managed to find a work around with them. If you've any advice for someone else going through something similar in future, would be great to hear how you got on.

Best wishes,