Verifying identity for PIP

[Alex]

Hi everyone – lots of our clients are new refugees applying for PIP for the first time. Despite having had their ID verified by UC and passed the HRT, they get a letter after starting the PIP claim over the phone asking for more information on their immigration status and residency, either for them to send their original documents to the DWP or to take them into the nearest JobCentre to have them stamped and verified.

I would normally never advise people to send their original Home Office documents to the DWP, as they are the only proof of their recently granted refugee status, and take a long time to be replaced if lost, but don’t know if JobCentres are even open in order for someone to go and have their documents verified. Have other people come across this and what would you advise? Thank you in advance.

[Esther]

We were told at our last DWP stakeholder meeting that jobcentres are open for those who cannot do what they need by phone/online – apparently should be able to go and knock on door and will be let in

[Esther]

Plus

If JobCentres are closed or not really helpful, that just makes it worse.
What I’d suggest is using something like ID Analyzer to verify the documents online. It’s a way to check things like immigration status and residency without having to send anything off or go to a JobCentre. It might save your clients a headache and keep their documents safe.

[Author]

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