Universal credit

amy84

Hi, 
Like so many I can't be furloughed because I stated a new job on march 16th & old employer won't re-employ me. So I have had to apply for UC for the first time ever & waiting to hear if we'll receive anything (not holding my breath). My question is to anyone who has made a new application for UC & had a work coach contact them by for the first appointment. What questions did they ask you to verify yourself so they know it was you? I don't know why but I'm panicking about the call I received on the 8th. Something is making me feel suspicious but it didn't at the time as I've never had to claim before so no idea what a work coach would ask. Any clarity would be Ace.
Thank you 

7Phil

Are you worried the call was a scam and you gave personal details away to someone not from the UC office?

aleeam

There are a lot of activities like that going on in my country too. 

amy84

7Phil said:

Are you worried the call was a scam and you gave personal details away to someone not from the UC office?

A bit yeah but I'm not 100% as like I said I've never had to claim before so I've no idea what a work coach would ask on first appointment over the phone to verify me 

Mrsn

What sort of details did you give to the caller?

amy84

Mrsn said:

What sort of details did you give to the caller?

Sort code, last 4 digits of bank account number and our memorable words. My UC log was saying I needed to book my 1st appointment and to bring my bank card so they could verify my bank details at a job centre but obviously can't go there. So I left a note on my journal asking what to do as I was advised not to call as someone would be in touch with me and the next day they did.. Well I think it was them. 

Mrsn

Was the call from a no ID number? That is usually how they call if and when they do.

You were told bank details were to be provided so that part doesn’t seem so out of the place but memorable words seems a little odd... I’m not saying it wasn’t them just I can see why you’re feeling uneasy.

when you log into your journal now does it tell you that your phone review/identity check has been completed? 

amy84

After the details were confirmed she explained the date I would find out if we are entitled and the date it would be paid. Also explained we could apply for an advance and she let me know how much we could get and we could apply either through her or in my journal and that was pretty much it. 

amy84

Mrsn said:

Was the call from a no ID number? That is usually how they call if and when they do.

You were told bank details were to be provided so that part doesn’t seem so out of the place but memorable words seems a little odd... I’m not saying it wasn’t them just I can see why you’re feeling uneasy.

when you log into your journal now does it tell you that your phone review/identity check has been completed? 

No I didn't but I left a note on my journal yesterday afternoon explaining I had received a call but it was still asking me to book my first appointment. I logged back on last night and now it's gone 

amy84

amy84 said:

Mrsn said:

Was the call from a no ID number? That is usually how they call if and when they do.

You were told bank details were to be provided so that part doesn’t seem so out of the place but memorable words seems a little odd... I’m not saying it wasn’t them just I can see why you’re feeling uneasy.

when you log into your journal now does it tell you that your phone review/identity check has been completed? 

No I didn't but I left a note on my journal yesterday afternoon explaining I had received a call but it was still asking me to book my first appointment. I logged back on last night and now it's gone 

And yes it was an unknown number 

poppy12345

amy84 said:

After the details were confirmed she explained the date I would find out if we are entitled and the date it would be paid. Also explained we could apply for an advance and she let me know how much we could get and we could apply either through her or in my journal and that was pretty much it. 

Based on this i would say it was definitely a call from DWP. Do be aware that if you do ask for an advance payment this will need to be paid back from future UC payments.