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DWP forcing me to attend Job Centre to verify ID for UC, despite mental illness
- Faith
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3 weeks 2 days ago #300692 by Faith
DWP forcing me to attend Job Centre to verify ID for UC, despite mental illness was created by Faith
Hi,
I'm currently in the Support Group of ESA, due to being incapable of coping with social contact, due to severe mental illness. I've just applied for UC, online, and now the Work Coach has written, in my UC Journal,
"We must see your identification documents in their original form. We are not able to ask for or accept copies, digital uploads or emailed documents. Because of this, we can only conduct this appointment face to face. I apologise if you have been led to believe that this could be conducted over the telephone. This is not the case."
I cannot cope with attending that appointment. Does anyone have any advice please? I'm panicking...
I'm currently in the Support Group of ESA, due to being incapable of coping with social contact, due to severe mental illness. I've just applied for UC, online, and now the Work Coach has written, in my UC Journal,
"We must see your identification documents in their original form. We are not able to ask for or accept copies, digital uploads or emailed documents. Because of this, we can only conduct this appointment face to face. I apologise if you have been led to believe that this could be conducted over the telephone. This is not the case."
I cannot cope with attending that appointment. Does anyone have any advice please? I'm panicking...
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3 weeks 2 days ago #300696 by David
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by David on topic DWP forcing me to attend Job Centre to verify ID for UC, despite mental illness
Hi Faith
Which County do you live in? So I can find a manager to make a complaint to.
David
Which County do you live in? So I can find a manager to make a complaint to.
David
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: Faith
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3 weeks 2 days ago #300700 by Faith
Replied by Faith on topic DWP forcing me to attend Job Centre to verify ID for UC, despite mental illness
P.S.
Sorry, I'm so distressed, I'm not thinking straight.
You asked which county. I'm in East Sussex.
Many thanks for your kind help.
Sorry, I'm so distressed, I'm not thinking straight.
You asked which county. I'm in East Sussex.
Many thanks for your kind help.
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3 weeks 1 day ago #300701 by David
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by David on topic DWP forcing me to attend Job Centre to verify ID for UC, despite mental illness
Hi Faith
The manager responsible for your area is Sally Funnell and her email is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Write down in your email everything you have told me about your illness and being in the Support Group and how the Work Coach won't listen or try to help.
Let me know how you get on.
David
The manager responsible for your area is Sally Funnell and her email is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Write down in your email everything you have told me about your illness and being in the Support Group and how the Work Coach won't listen or try to help.
Let me know how you get on.
David
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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3 weeks 1 day ago #300702 by Faith
Replied by Faith on topic DWP forcing me to attend Job Centre to verify ID for UC, despite mental illness
Thank you so much for your help! 
I will update you.
All best wishes

I will update you.
All best wishes
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2 weeks 3 days ago #301080 by Faith
Replied by Faith on topic DWP forcing me to attend Job Centre to verify ID for UC, despite mental illness
Hi David / others,
Update:
My mother emailed the Jobcentre manager (Sally Funnell) on my behalf, explaining I'm unable to engage in social contact, due to extremely severe mental illness. She asked if Sally could please arrange a telephone biographical test, to confirm my identity. Sally did not reply (yet), but the Work Coach wrote the following message in my UC Journal,
"Thank you for explaining the reasons why you would be unable to attend the jobcentre.
As a reasonable adjustment, we will be able to request a home visit to verify your identity.
Unfortunately, we are unable to conduct this type of appointment by telephone. A biographical test can only be conducted if there is sufficient information held on our systems. We do not hold sufficient information to enable us to verify your identity."
I've been receiving welfare benefits (due to physical disability and mental illness) for 25 years, so I do not believe that the DWP has insufficient info to verify my identity via telephone biographical test.
A home visit from the DWP would be extremely distressing for me. What should I do?
Many thanks, in advance, for any advice.
All best wishes
Update:
My mother emailed the Jobcentre manager (Sally Funnell) on my behalf, explaining I'm unable to engage in social contact, due to extremely severe mental illness. She asked if Sally could please arrange a telephone biographical test, to confirm my identity. Sally did not reply (yet), but the Work Coach wrote the following message in my UC Journal,
"Thank you for explaining the reasons why you would be unable to attend the jobcentre.
As a reasonable adjustment, we will be able to request a home visit to verify your identity.
Unfortunately, we are unable to conduct this type of appointment by telephone. A biographical test can only be conducted if there is sufficient information held on our systems. We do not hold sufficient information to enable us to verify your identity."
I've been receiving welfare benefits (due to physical disability and mental illness) for 25 years, so I do not believe that the DWP has insufficient info to verify my identity via telephone biographical test.
A home visit from the DWP would be extremely distressing for me. What should I do?
Many thanks, in advance, for any advice.
All best wishes
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