Turned away at job centre

gf3978114

I fled domestic abuse and went to a womens shelter then temp accomodation. I'm disabled and had an appointment at the job centre, can give specific job centre if necessary, which technically I shouldnt have had to go to but they didnt reply to my journal entry and I didnt want any consequences. I explained why i dont have any documents but they turned me away because I dont have 3 types of ID and wouldnt accept what i had on my phone. They spoke to manager who didnt offer me another way to go forward. They closed my appointment and told me to leave. I was going to ask for an advancememt but they wouldnt process anything. I had a £100 emergency grant on friday thats all gone thinking id get a UC advancement. I cant just live on air and I'm running out of food.

kimplus8

I’m sorry you are going through this, you are incredibly brave. 

I’m not sure about UC but when I was in a similar situation the refuge manager provided me with a letter verifying my ID to open a bank account. Maybe UC can do something similar? They must understand that in some situations people don’t have ID, people seeking asylum etc and people in your situation. 

I hope someone with better knowledge can help soon. 

All the best x

gf3978114

kimplus8 said:

I’m sorry you are going through this, you are incredibly brave. 

I’m not sure about UC but when I was in a similar situation the refuge manager provided me with a letter verifying my ID to open a bank account. Maybe UC can do something similar? They must understand that in some situations people don’t have ID, people seeking asylum etc and people in your situation. 

I hope someone with better knowledge can help soon. 

All the best x

I know theyre meant to help and I asked, but they said theres nothing they can do. I feel let down and like I dont matter to these people. They know my full situation and that I need the money to live. 

Rubyroobs

Have you actually made the Uc claim online and just need the ID documents to verify your identity?

gf3978114

Rubyroobs said:

Have you actually made the Uc claim online and just need the ID documents to verify your identity?

Sorry for late reply have only just checked now. I made the claim online then got a message in my online journal saying I need to come in to prove my identity and that there are checks because I'm under 18. But they didnt get past the part where they needed ID because I didnt have any and they told me to leave.

huckster

The Job Centre would not be able to help in this situation, as they don't have any way of checking your identity to enable your claim to proceed. They would need either documents or biographical history information.

You need to contact your local Council Authorities welfare support team to ask for help. If you have been living in area and attending schools, registered with Doctors etc, the council will be able to collect available information, to ensure that you are in a position to receive all help available including benefits. You are under 18 and in a vulnerable position,  so the Council should be helping you.