Proof of Identity

Hi All

At the medical assessment you have to provide proof of identity. The trouble is I don't have a passport or driving licence and I don't pay the utility bills so have nothing like that in my name. I would have to send away for a copy birth certificate if I can't find the original which I am currently searching for in my files. If I only have my birth certificate and hospital letters will that be enough?

Have any other members had the same problem?

Thanks for quick reply. Will see what they say. Harry

I saw this one coming for me and took the following steps (which are probably too late for you this time round - but it will come up again and again). Even picking up a parcel from the Royal Mail sorting office can need this sort of thing.

1) Get some of the utility bills put in your name as well as that of whoever pays them - they can be made out to "Mary Smith and John Brown". Note that this will make you liable to pay them if the other person does not. If you are living with your parents (for example), this may not be an option.

2) Get a passport - it can be done quite quickly, but does require a birth certificate. Again you may find you need proof of identity and a passport is usually simpler than a driving licence (no driving test to pass!) - providing of course that you qualify for a passport.

3) which follows from 2. Get a copy of your birth certificate. That will probably take 3-4 weeks to arrive, though there are steps you can take to speed it up. Google "How do I get a copy of my UK birth certificate?"

As I said, none will help you in the very short term. If you've never had a UK adult passport that in itself will take at least 6 weeks, plus the time taken to get your birth certificate. But if that done now (if you are eligible) will save hassle next time you need proof of identity. Remember that a passport isn't proof of address.

It was my understanding that the utility bills you mention are not, in fact, proof of identity. Added to something like a passport they amount to proof of address.

Another proof of address you can use is a bank statement. If you don't have a bank account, then you may find that the DWP demand that you get one, as they very much prefer paying money directly into a bank account.

You can also use any previous notification from the DWP as proof of address - if you have had any previous benefits paid to you at the same address that will help. Even a voter's registration card might help, if you have one at that address.

Hi H,

See this answer :
"Please bring:

Your appointment letter.

Proof of identity. This can be your passport or three other different types of identification such as a birth certificate, driving licence and a utility bill.

Any hospital appointment or admission letters.

Tablets or other current medication, such as inhalers.

Any medical aids, such as walking aids, hearing aids, glasses and contact lenses.

Any letters from your GP/Specialist detailing your medical condition that you have not already sent in with your questionnaire.

Your bank or building society details if you are claiming travel expenses.

When clicking on this FAQ : "What should I bring to my assessment?"

Which is the 11th FAQ down this page :

www.atoshealthcare.com/claimants/faq

bro58

Hi

I am in the same position if I have a medical assessment, I don't drive and never have and have not had a passport for over 20 years and when I did I had a 1 year one (remember those). You could get a bank statement, a utility bill or a curetn bank statement are usually acceptable, if you bank online like I do, you could request a bank statement from your branch as a one off. A letter from the DWP regarding your benefits, if any, could be acceptable.

Regarding passport's they are very expensive, a bog standard one is £72.50 and you have to have a birth certificate to send it off and if it is the first one and not a renewal you have to travel to one of the main cities for a face to face interview. I applied for my son earlier this year and it was a right old palava to be honest. He had to go to Birmingahm, Leicester or Peterborough, all some distance away.

Not ideal for disabled or sick people. If it was me I would be inclined to phone Atos and explain, you and I can't be the only ones.