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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be annoyed at universal credit?

80 replies

Hippi290 · 29/07/2024 01:01

I was recently made redundant from a company that I had worked at for 15 years.
So I had to claim UC.

I've applied for everything I can,obviously it's really difficult to survive on UC alone.

I've had a few offers of employment, but they have wanted photo ID which I do not have and I literally have nobody that I know who countersign any ID. I have really tried to think of anybody.

I sent a message to my advisor telling them that I had no photo ID and that I was struggling to get a job or find someone to countersign. And I got a message back saying they could countersign for me and to take forms to them. So I was pretty happy that it would make it so much easier to find a job.
But when I tried to confirm it with them I got another message saying, sorry this isn't something we can do 😔 am I wrong to be upset that they got my hopes up that they could help with getting a job?
Also is it possible I'll be able to find a job with photo ID ? I have a birth certificate

OP posts:
Thread gallery
6
titticaca · 29/07/2024 09:41

Here is the passport office advice chat line, they may be able to help.

www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-passport-office/contact/hm-passport-office-webchat

Jazzjazzyjulez · 29/07/2024 09:41

BobbyBiscuits · 29/07/2024 09:34

They're useless. Don't know their arse from someone else's elbow.
I'd be trying to tell that Ross fella he has to do it, he literally promised you. Even if he literally does it on his lunch break, outside of working hours!?
It's not fair for him to bs you like that.

Have you never made a mistake? The guy thought he could and then I assume was told he could not.

People make mistakes in there jobs all the time - I doubt he done it on purpose.

TigerRag · 29/07/2024 09:44

shellyleppard · 29/07/2024 08:44

Op could your doctor sign a photo for identification purposes??? My son got a letter from the local council when he voted, its valid for 10 years. Good luck UC are a right pain in the rear at times x

My doctor won't sign them unless they know you away from work. (Ie, as a neighbour)

wutheringkites · 29/07/2024 09:47

Do you have kids in school? Can you ask a teacher?

shellyleppard · 29/07/2024 10:01

Op our doctor will sign them they do charge tho

Allthehorsesintheworld · 29/07/2024 10:07

What did you use as ID to vote? Can you get a voter ID card?
Contact your MP and local councillors. They want people working, you want to work so in their interests to help you.

Getonwitit · 29/07/2024 10:10

MynameisML · 29/07/2024 01:14

Why don't you have a driving license or passport? Genuine question!
Make an appointment with UC in person to discuss this.

Show quote history

Not everyone drives and not everyone can afford to travel, it really is that simple.

BobbyBiscuits · 29/07/2024 10:26

@Jazzjazzyjulez I'm not saying he has, but it's not acceptable to promise things like that then just renege on it. I'd speak to him. Not in a mean way, just in a 'come on man, it's no skin off your nose is it?'

Genevieva · 29/07/2024 10:33

Hippi290 · 29/07/2024 01:08

Yeah I'm hoping that I can find a job that doesn't need photos ID. the one I've been offered did need it.
But hopefully I can get something that just needs birth certificate

Show quote history

Would the employer support you in getting photo ID? It is such a ridiculous thing. Even a university ID card would probably count, despite having less validity than a birth certificate. I wonder whether you could apply for a provisional driving licence, even if you don't intend to learn to drive.

SanMarzano · 29/07/2024 10:39

Coconutter24 · 29/07/2024 08:40

Why wouldn’t you do the obvious thing and apply for a photo ID? Yeh it’s annoying you was told the wrong thing but to be annoyed at them is a bit silly, you know what the obvious thing to do is yet your going round in circles delaying the process. You could of probably saved time by just applying for a photo ID

It’s right there in the OP - she hasn’t got anyone to countersign it, which you need for a first passport or driving licence if you don’t have a passport.

MrsSkylerWhite · 29/07/2024 10:45

can you apply for a provisional driving licence? Doesn’t cost much.

M340 · 29/07/2024 10:46

If it's not the payment, then you really don't have an excuse.
There will be someone in your life that can countersign for an ID.

It doesn't need to be a doctor..
Just seems like a bit of an excuse to me!

M340 · 29/07/2024 10:47

Why can't you apply for a provisional driving license? If it's not the cost that's dropping you, why can't you do that?

ForgettingMeNot · 29/07/2024 10:49

Can you not apply for a provisional driving licence just to get photo ID?

LiterallyOnFire · 29/07/2024 10:50

@MrsSkylerWhite @M340

If you don't have a passport then the PHOTO FOR A PROVISIONAL LICENSE HAS TO BE CO-SIGNED.

This has been covered.

SanMarzano · 29/07/2024 10:51

OP can’t apply for a provisional driving licence because she doesn’t have anyone to countersign it, that’s literally the point of the thread.

LiterallyOnFire · 29/07/2024 10:52

M340 · 29/07/2024 10:46

If it's not the payment, then you really don't have an excuse.
There will be someone in your life that can countersign for an ID.

It doesn't need to be a doctor..
Just seems like a bit of an excuse to me!

"Really don't have an excuse". So sodding rude and judgmental. She explains in the OP what this issue is.

OP very clearly wants to find a new job.

What's your "excuse" for not reading properly?

ButtSurgery · 29/07/2024 10:53

The list of people who can sign your photo and application is huge and wide ranging. Most people aren't thinking laterally, so maybe have another think.

Also, you could apply for a Citizen card or a Voter ID to back up your birth certificate.

To be annoyed at universal credit?
HollyKnight · 29/07/2024 10:59

I wonder if she misread your message and thought you were asking her to apply for your provisional.

Did you message back again to ask her why she changed her mind?

Hankunamatata · 29/07/2024 11:35

You worked for a company for 15 years surely someone there could sign

ButtSurgery · 29/07/2024 11:46

HollyKnight · 29/07/2024 10:59

I wonder if she misread your message and thought you were asking her to apply for your provisional.

Did you message back again to ask her why she changed her mind?

It's a different person who answers the second time.

Coconutter24 · 29/07/2024 11:52

SanMarzano · 29/07/2024 10:39

It’s right there in the OP - she hasn’t got anyone to countersign it, which you need for a first passport or driving licence if you don’t have a passport.

Show quote history

I read that but isn’t there a neighbour, friend anyone at all? No one at all that can verify OPs identity?

DragonFly98 · 29/07/2024 11:55

Coconutter24 · 29/07/2024 08:40

Why wouldn’t you do the obvious thing and apply for a photo ID? Yeh it’s annoying you was told the wrong thing but to be annoyed at them is a bit silly, you know what the obvious thing to do is yet your going round in circles delaying the process. You could of probably saved time by just applying for a photo ID

Why don't you do the obvious thing and read what the op has written! She is attempting to apply for photo ID and needs it counter signing.

cathcath2 · 29/07/2024 11:59

Check out the privilege on here! Is it easy to get someone to countersign your passport? Yes, if you are in a professional role/live in a 'good' neighbourhood/have loads of British friends who have professional roles. However, in areas of deprivation, it really isn't. I've signed for people who I wouldn't consider friends etc (but have known two years or more) simply because they can't find anyone else to sign.

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