Proof of Address Options - Universal Credit First Time Claimant

ThrivingClive

Hello. I have recently been made redundant and am signing up to Universal Credit for the first time. I have my first meeting with my work coach on this coming Monday.

In the options for my proof of address documentation, Universal Credit's website says that it only accepts the following:

• Utility bill from the last 3 months (gas, electricity, water or landline telephone)
• Council Tax or Rates bill
• Letter from your landlord or landlord's agent

I do not have a utility bill or council tax bill as these are included in my rent amount and are thus dealt with directly by the landlord. I do not have a letter from the landlord (there is no agent) and would prefer not to have to ask them for one as this would potentially lead to me revealing that I am signing up to Universal Credit, which I sense they will not look kindly on and could create issues with my tenancy.

I can provide proof of address in the form of a (digital) bank statement and most recent self-assessment tax return (I have a freelance business which I run alongside my contracted work). Will UC accept these? If not, what should I be looking to bring instead?

Thank you.

ThrivingClive

Info additional to my previous post - UC is asking for me to upload the documentation to the digital portal. I am hoping that I can bring these alternatives listed above to the meeting on Monday and the matter will be resolved. Please correct me if I'm wrong on this. Thank you.

huckster

Have they booked you an identity appointment or first commitments?

You would not have a first commitments appointments booked with a work coach, if you had not already verified your ID online when you submitted the claim.

If it an identity appointment, then take with you all available forms of ID. If you have online accounts such as Banking, Utility accounts, where you can log in to show the address registered, that would evidence address.

HillStreetBlues

I would treat that with with a pinch of salt as would rule out most people 18 or older who still live with their parents.
https://www.gov.uk/jobcentre-plus-interview  gives a much fuller list.

Grumpy_chap

ThrivingClive said:

I do not have a letter from the landlord (there is no agent) and would prefer not to have to ask them for one 

HSB has given a more useful answer, but I would have thought a copy of the tenancy agreement (or at least the cover sheets) would serve the purpose of "letter" from LL.

huckster

Tenancy agreement does not necessarily prove address. They could be sub letting and living elsewhere.

KxMx

Usual advice is if you can't provide what's on the standard list, take anything and everything even remotely official you do have.