How to inform DWP of name change?

rroll320

I've changed my name with a legal deed poll.
how can I update my details on DWP services PIP and ESA?
do I have to inform them separately in writing? or is there an easier/faster online website I can use?
with HMRC this can be done via government gateway website.
on gov website they say:
HMRC will update your personal records for:

• Income Tax and National Insurance
• tax credits and benefits, including Child Benefit
• services, including the Pension Service

but does it also mean ESA and PIP are updated this way?

Thanks.

poppy12345

The HMRC online account is not for DWP so you can't do it this way. The quickest way to report the change is by ringing both PIP and ESA. Sending letters to them isn't advisable because they rarely answer them.

NedS

You should also be able to take your deed poll and suitable ID documents into your jobcentre and they will update your records for you.

spingoblin

In my experience a phone call would not get acted upon. To prod the DWP to get anything done you always need to inform them in writing whether it would be for a name change or to report a change in circumstances eg health deterioration, however it is very important to send the letter by recorded or special delivery so you have a post office receipt and you will get a proof of delivery online. They will answer but in the current climate it may be a month or two before you hear back.

poppy12345

spingoblin said:

however it is very important to send the letter by recorded or special delivery so you have a post office receipt and you will get a proof of delivery online.

This is a waste of money just because it's been signed for doesn't mean it's with DWP because it will be signed for by someone from Royal Mail sorting office and it doesn't get there any faster than normal posting.  All you need is proof of posting from the post office, which is free.

ohdrar

poppy12345 said:

spingoblin said:

however it is very important to send the letter by recorded or special delivery so you have a post office receipt and you will get a proof of delivery online.

This is a waste of money just because it's been signed for doesn't mean it's with DWP because it will be signed for by someone from Royal Mail sorting office and it doesn't get there any faster than normal posting.  All you need is proof of posting from the post office, which is free.

I agree, but if you really need the extra re assurance - then you can use the FREEPOST address and then just pay for signed for on top at the post office counter for £1.10. 

calcotti

ohdrar said:

poppy12345 said:

spingoblin said:

however it is very important to send the letter by recorded or special delivery so you have a post office receipt and you will get a proof of delivery online.

This is a waste of money just because it's been signed for doesn't mean it's with DWP because it will be signed for by someone from Royal Mail sorting office and it doesn't get there any faster than normal posting.  All you need is proof of posting from the post office, which is free.

I agree, but if you really need the extra re assurance - then you can use the FREEPOST address and then just pay for signed for on top at the post office counter for £1.10. 

The point poppy made was that having it signed for just confirms it has arrived at a mail sorting office, it doesn't confirm that it has got into DWP system.

ohdrar

calcotti said:

ohdrar said:

poppy12345 said:

spingoblin said:

however it is very important to send the letter by recorded or special delivery so you have a post office receipt and you will get a proof of delivery online.

This is a waste of money just because it's been signed for doesn't mean it's with DWP because it will be signed for by someone from Royal Mail sorting office and it doesn't get there any faster than normal posting.  All you need is proof of posting from the post office, which is free.

I agree, but if you really need the extra re assurance - then you can use the FREEPOST address and then just pay for signed for on top at the post office counter for £1.10. 

The point poppy made was that having it signed for just confirms it has arrived at a mail sorting office, it doesn't confirm that it has got into DWP system.

Indeed.But as far as the claimant is concerned once it arrives at a mail handling site it doesn't matter what happens next - all the claimant has to do it fulfil the need to get it to the DWP. How long it takes the DWP to deal with it once it arrives is irrelevant as the burden is now on the DWP.
Some people will only even want signed for even if they don't need to - all you can do is tell them the cheapest possible way. Particular for first time claimants.
Paying an upgrade for signed for  - gives you the proof that it has 'arrived' in the sense of what you needed to do as a claimant. How the RM/DWP handle it is irrelevant and any failures there are also irrelevant as if it got to tribunal you show your proof of or signed for and its pretty much an open and shut case then?

poppy12345

ohdrar said:

calcotti said:

ohdrar said:

poppy12345 said:

spingoblin said:

however it is very important to send the letter by recorded or special delivery so you have a post office receipt and you will get a proof of delivery online.

This is a waste of money just because it's been signed for doesn't mean it's with DWP because it will be signed for by someone from Royal Mail sorting office and it doesn't get there any faster than normal posting.  All you need is proof of posting from the post office, which is free.

I agree, but if you really need the extra re assurance - then you can use the FREEPOST address and then just pay for signed for on top at the post office counter for £1.10. 

The point poppy made was that having it signed for just confirms it has arrived at a mail sorting office, it doesn't confirm that it has got into DWP system.

Indeed.But as far as the claimant is concerned once it arrives at a mail handling site it doesn't matter what happens next - all the claimant has to do it fulfil the need to get it to the DWP. How long it takes the DWP to deal with it once it arrives is irrelevant as the burden is now on the DWP.
Some people will only even want signed for even if they don't need to - all you can do is tell them the cheapest possible way. Particular for first time claimants.
Paying an upgrade for signed for  - gives you the proof that it has 'arrived' in the sense of what you needed to do as a claimant. How the RM/DWP handle it is irrelevant and any failures there are also irrelevant as if it got to tribunal you show your proof of or signed for and its pretty much an open and shut case then?

Which is why i advised proof of posting which is free. I always use this because for me, its the proof i need that i did post it. Whether it's arrived is not my problem.

NedS

NedS said:

You should also be able to take your deed poll and suitable ID documents into your jobcentre and they will update your records for you.

Why not just do as I suggested and take your original documents into the jobcentre? They will copy them and make the change there and then. Saves sending original documents off in the post which you are unlikely to get returned or having to have certified copies made.