This may be long, but it's worth reading:-
Initial Evidence appointment:-
If you've said you can provide appropriate 'physical' evidence; go prepared (if you require an 'Advance' Payment, it cannot be issued until your ID has been successfully verified)...
Take with you:-
ONE of the following (Primary ID):-
Valid passport or valid Photocard Drivers Licence or the Bank card for the account you've already requested to be paid into (it must show the bank a/c number on the front of the card [one or two banks don't, but the vast majority do]).
Plus
TWO of the following (Secondary ID):-
Council Tax Statement for current year (for current address) or
Birth Cert or
Marriage cert or
NHS Medical Card (it should have your current address on it) or
Bank Statement (matching the account you've requested payment into - must be less than one month old and show current address).
Valid passport (as long as you haven't used it for Primary ID).
Valid drivers licence (as long as you haven't used it for Primary ID).
Bank card for the account you've requested payment into (again, as long as you didn't use it for your Primary ID).
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For Private Rented Sector (PRS) housing:-
You will need to provide an up-to-date Tenancy Agreement AND proof of residency (i.e. a utility bill, Council Tax letter etc. less than one month old, in your name, at current address).
You cannot be paid Housing Element until your Housing Costs have been verified (sadly this is where people can end up in arrears - when they don't provide the required evidence quickly / before their first payment is due).
Because the service is Digital; you may be asked to upload your CV to your online account (rather than bring in a paper copy) - your Work Coach should advise you how to do this. This would typically be asked at your First Commitments appointment, rather than at the Initial Evidence appointment however.
Your Work Coach would talk to you about preparing for / being available for work - how available, depends on if you are a lone parent / primary carer for your children and the ages of your children.
Other personal circumstances may also impact on this.
- If you have declared any health conditions and have a Fit Note (aka a sick note), take it with you.
- If you have a smart phone, take it with you and make sure it has a reasonable charge on it - in case you need to amend anything on your online account - they'll support you (if necessary), to do this while you're in the office.
Turn up on time (5 mins early is a good idea, but no more is necessary).
Check in at the reception area - make sure they know you are there for an 'Initial Evidence' appointment.
Sometimes you may be asked if you're able to stay for the First Commitments appointment immediately after the ID appointment (rather than have to return a few days later) - you would then meet your Work Coach at that appointment (and talk about CV's, skills you have, health conditions, training opportunities and discuss support required to help you into work / increase your hours if already working part-time etc).
If you are taking a child / children with you, take a snack / drink / something to alleviate boredom and make sure they've visited the loo before you arrive, as generally, Jobcentreplus offices don't have public toilets.
Good luck :)