Is this just getting ridiculous! UNIVERSAL CREDIT

ChristmasTime2023 · 2026-02-05T16:06:45+00:00

So had a review with UC today phone call she stated she would up date the journal with what I need to provide. A full length photo of myself standing outside my front door with the key in the lock!? Then a letter from the children's school & nursery saying they attend there A letter from the children's gp Passport photos Child benefit award letter Birth certificates (they have had birth certificates before ) This isn't a new claim either I dont understand why gp letters are needed they want one for me and my partner too. Also on the phone call asked who I use for my gas and electricity Ive never been asked these things before seems strange to ask? Anyone else had a review lately what did they ask for. Partner works full time if that matters.

TheOldSwitch · 05/02/2026 16:08

A photo outside the door with the key in the lock seems very strange, it would be easy to fake with AI anyway! What does that even prove, is it supposed to show you really do live there? Surely there's more sophisticated ways to prove such things, like rental agreements or mortgage statements.

Penelope23145 · 05/02/2026 16:09

I guess these are just extra security checks. There's so much fraud I guess they are just being extra careful since that gang from ? Albania got away with millions due to making fraudulent claims.

Jellybunny56 · 05/02/2026 16:15

TheOldSwitch · 05/02/2026 16:08

A photo outside the door with the key in the lock seems very strange, it would be easy to fake with AI anyway! What does that even prove, is it supposed to show you really do live there? Surely there's more sophisticated ways to prove such things, like rental agreements or mortgage statements.

It is being asked for more now. Full length photo proves it is you, outside the front door links you to that exact address, key in lock shows you have full access and control of the property. Especially if you are claiming housing element, where we are at least they have recently found quite a number of people who are receiving housing benefit for a property which actually they are subletting and receiving rent for.

Steevee · 05/02/2026 16:16

Beggars can’t be choosers OP.

As others say, it’d be easy to get around with AI but I guess they’re at least trying to reduce benefit fraud.

Whatsmyusername85 · 05/02/2026 16:18

I’m afraid you’ll just have to jump through whatever hoops they ask if you want/need the money.

Original poster

ChristmasTime2023 · 05/02/2026 16:22

Jellybunny56 · 05/02/2026 16:15

It is being asked for more now. Full length photo proves it is you, outside the front door links you to that exact address, key in lock shows you have full access and control of the property. Especially if you are claiming housing element, where we are at least they have recently found quite a number of people who are receiving housing benefit for a property which actually they are subletting and receiving rent for.

Show quote history

I dont even receive any housing element and they have asked for tenancy agreement I have already provided.
Just seemed pointless as my front door doesn't have my address

OP posts:

DecisionTime123 · 05/02/2026 16:46

Steevee · 05/02/2026 16:16

Beggars can’t be choosers OP.

As others say, it’d be easy to get around with AI but I guess they’re at least trying to reduce benefit fraud.

But OP isn't a beggar - that's a rather choice turn of phrase. Did you join up today just to say that?!

Wakemeupinapril · 05/02/2026 16:48

Offer up a signed letter from all 4 of your dgps...
We had so many hoops to go through I felt dizzy.

daffodilandtulip · 05/02/2026 16:49

Years ago on tax credits, they accused me of lying about being single. I had to send photos of the insides of the wardrobes and bathroom cupboards to prove I lived alone 🤣

gototogo · 05/02/2026 16:50

Is your dp the children’s dad? If not could he have put in a claim? They have been having increasing issues with children being claimed for twice I read recently so there’s extra checks to prevent this. If you aren’t doing anything wrong (which I’m sure you aren’t) then once you have amassed enough evidence that should be that

Kirbert2 · 05/02/2026 16:50

I'm on UC and have never heard of this. Bizarre.

Penelope23145 · 05/02/2026 16:52

ChristmasTime2023 · 05/02/2026 16:22

I dont even receive any housing element and they have asked for tenancy agreement I have already provided.
Just seemed pointless as my front door doesn't have my address

Show quote history

If you rent then you should have a rent element on your claim or are you just waiting to be assessed for that?

Penelope23145 · 05/02/2026 16:53

Kirbert2 · 05/02/2026 16:50

I'm on UC and have never heard of this. Bizarre.

The photos by the front door or holding your own passport requests have been going on for ages particularly for new claims.

Penelope23145 · 05/02/2026 16:54

daffodilandtulip · 05/02/2026 16:49

Years ago on tax credits, they accused me of lying about being single. I had to send photos of the insides of the wardrobes and bathroom cupboards to prove I lived alone 🤣

That's crazy. If he was living there anyone could just have temporarily taken the stuff out? Now that is bizarre !

Glitchymn1 · 05/02/2026 16:54

TheOldSwitch · 05/02/2026 16:08

A photo outside the door with the key in the lock seems very strange, it would be easy to fake with AI anyway! What does that even prove, is it supposed to show you really do live there? Surely there's more sophisticated ways to prove such things, like rental agreements or mortgage statements.

You can tell if it’s superimposed.
It’s to check occupancy because thousands of people claim and don’t live here.

angelos02 · 05/02/2026 16:54

Anything to stop fraud is fine with me. The welfare bill is out of control as it is.

Sevenofthem · 05/02/2026 16:57

They wanted the photos from me too but I have a phobia so they had to do a home visit to check we live here. Also my GP wanted to charge £60 for a letter so they waived that too (I had to show them my online record)

StrawberryJamAndRaspberryPie · 05/02/2026 16:59

Jellybunny56 · 05/02/2026 16:15

It is being asked for more now. Full length photo proves it is you, outside the front door links you to that exact address, key in lock shows you have full access and control of the property. Especially if you are claiming housing element, where we are at least they have recently found quite a number of people who are receiving housing benefit for a property which actually they are subletting and receiving rent for.

Show quote history

Sure except you could just use someone else’s key. What if you’ve dog or house sat? What if you’re the cleaner there or it’s a friends key they’ve given you?Having a key to a property doesn’t mean you live there.

Kirbert2 · 05/02/2026 17:01

Penelope23145 · 05/02/2026 16:53

The photos by the front door or holding your own passport requests have been going on for ages particularly for new claims.

Show quote history

I've claimed UC for going on 2 years now. I just had to show utility bills, no passport so couldn't show something I didn't have.

Nothing like birth certificates, GP letters etc.

Original poster

ChristmasTime2023 · 05/02/2026 17:36

daffodilandtulip · 05/02/2026 16:49

Years ago on tax credits, they accused me of lying about being single. I had to send photos of the insides of the wardrobes and bathroom cupboards to prove I lived alone 🤣

Wow thats insane!

OP posts:

Original poster

ChristmasTime2023 · 05/02/2026 17:40

gototogo · 05/02/2026 16:50

Is your dp the children’s dad? If not could he have put in a claim? They have been having increasing issues with children being claimed for twice I read recently so there’s extra checks to prevent this. If you aren’t doing anything wrong (which I’m sure you aren’t) then once you have amassed enough evidence that should be that

My partner is the children's dad so its not that im not sure why they want it all. I dont mind providing things but so annoying when its things that are not easy to get like gp letters and letters from the school and nursery.

OP posts:

Tableforjoan · 05/02/2026 17:47

That’s got to be annoying for schools and doctors. Also how long would it even take to get a child benefit letter. You only get one when you apply. Would be over 9 years out of date now and wrong address.

mypantsareonfire · 05/02/2026 18:33

I’d dress up as Donald Duck and pose outside my door.

I’m very childish though.

Original poster

ChristmasTime2023 · 05/02/2026 18:36

Tableforjoan · 05/02/2026 17:47

That’s got to be annoying for schools and doctors. Also how long would it even take to get a child benefit letter. You only get one when you apply. Would be over 9 years out of date now and wrong address.

I have no idea how I get one I dont remember even having one but my eldest is 14 so if you only get one once I probably wouldn't have it now

OP posts:

Scoobydoobydoo19 · 05/02/2026 18:43

daffodilandtulip · 05/02/2026 16:49

Years ago on tax credits, they accused me of lying about being single. I had to send photos of the insides of the wardrobes and bathroom cupboards to prove I lived alone 🤣

Could you not just take stuff out of the cupboard and put it back when you've taken the photo? (not suggesting you had anything to hide but it doesn't seem particularly foolproof)