Anyone else having technical issues with Universal Credit online application?

[SmileyClare]

Is anyone else stressed out trying to apply online? We have no option to apply for this until we hear anything back from HMRC about money we might receive in June.. both self employed and up shit creek with no money.

I'm having difficulties verifying identity online. Using a company called Digidentity which the UC website directed me to. It's supposed to send confirmation codes to my mobile but been waiting 3 hours and no codes

The online support / help is not functioning.

Feel like giving up and sobbing. UC was going to be our lifeline.

Just a quick update. I added a second plea for help on my journal. "Please contact me for a phone appointment. My deadline is approaching"
About 3 hours later, I had a message on my journal saying someone will contact me in 2 days. It feels like a small miracle.

I have photographed all ID I can think of and am hoping I can forward those via e-mail direct to UC. I will have to ask the advisor if this is possible as don't have any email address for them.

Now going to spend 2 days with my phone glued to me hoping they'll ring. Terrified of missing the call.

Happy have you made any progress?

i'm so relieved to hear others are also having these issues. the digidentity site keeps crashing and i think they must have closed their helpline due to being overloaded. thanks for the tip about the journal. i will try that as that seems to be getting somewhere. it's so so frustrating but i guess there is just too much demand as so many people income less. hopefully we can all get somewhere eventually

It's awful isn't it? It's not their fault, just the massive volume of people trying to get help but I've been so stressed trying to make any progress. It's such a worry to suddenly have no income.
I had similar problems with Digidentity. I'm praying I can bypass it.

Nope! It has been 4 (3 if not counting Sunday) days and the ID check is still stuck on 95%!
I will leave the journal entry

I'm starting to think the Digidentity website has melted

Try leaving messages on your journal Happy because your deadline is approaching. If I don't receive a call my application will be cancelled which I think means we have to reapply and go to back of the queue again. Disastrous stuck in a loop situation.

Keeping everything crossed for everyone.

Just had an email - ID accepted!!!! I feel like I won lottery!!!

Fucking hallelujah! One of us is through. What happens next, do you still have to do a phone interview? Would be interested in hearing how it progresses after the ID hurdle.

I'm sure other mumsnetters are glancing at this and thinking God what a boring thread but this has taken over my life at the moment so I'm very interested.

Oh, I just logged into that ID website... It is still 95% [laughs like a Mad Hatter] Apparently they have accepted ID, but have to verify my selfie!
Also it says that delays are up to 71 hours!...
Made a screenshot - just in case...
I will keep everyone updated

Stay optimistic Happy . The cogs are turning, albeit slowly. Will also keep you updated on any progress..

I’m following for updates, we’ll be in your shoes come Wednesday when dh gets the official heave-ho. Wankers.

@SmileyClare
I'm ok, thank you, it is some progress - I ain't giving up, however I will be leaving the message on my application...
Glad that you had a reply on your journal! Just keep your mobile charged at all times

Good luck Laniaka and sorry about your husband's job.

'' ID could not be verified'' and just a list of potential issues with pics I took. I can't wait another 71 hours,- leaving a note in journal.

Oh no Happy. I'm not sure a selfie of me right now would match their records. I think I've aged 10 years with this worry.
Do they want you to send a new selfie and wait again?

I'm hanging about waiting for The Phone Call which I'm told will be happening in the next couple of days. Checking my phone every ten minutes to see if it's on.

I hope you have more success with the online journal message.

Yes, they offer to do a selfie again and say about 71 hours of processing time (I assume they also think in working hours, so 8.8 working days ) .
I had a haircut before the lockdown - quite short and I now also have a fringe. I do look different (more attractive I would like to think )... That might be a problem I suppose.
Pretty much all smartphones nowdays have fingerprint sensors, why not use that feature? Considering that all passports have bio-metrical data, could have made driving licences that way too. Can be done as after Brexit we would need to replace the driving licences anyway.

Ah I'm sorry Digidentity didn't like your haircut! Whatever next? (It sounds nice).

Perhaps we should rename them Dodgy identity because of all the glitches! Will be spending tomorrow willing my phone to ring..

Had a reply on my journal reassuring me that they will perform ID check, when they will call - phone appointment on 16th
I also filled out application for council tax reduction - took me hours! And then I have read what evidence I need to provide - IDs, bank statements, latest bills... I had this weird feeling like someone is going through my underwear drawer. I understand that they need evidence that I have lost my income and what expenses I have, but the thought that every document will be vigorously scrutinised... This is also mixed with feeling ashamed that I have to extend my hand to ask for financial help. I really hope this will be over soon and I can go back to my work which I love.

Please keep you mobile charged at all times and make sure you always have a signal (like in my house I get 2-3 bars if I stand near windows ) I'm sure it will be fine, but let us know how it went! Good luck!

I know exactly how you feel. It's such a horrible situation. Never thought I'd be in this position. The saying "Most people are only three pay packets away from homelessness" is so true.

When you go back to your job in film and tv perhaps you can write a short film about this?

Set against the backdrop of a pandemic, a desperate woman is forced to try and access government help using only virtual technology. It's a race against time before she starts to lose her own grip on reality.. cert 18 Genre: Horror

I've not had a phone call yet. I have the best signal in my garden so will be hanging out there.

@SmileyClare

When is your deadline? I’ve been leaving begging journal messages but they keep saying that someone will contact me

My deadline is the 12th of April to have all ID verified and claim processed. It says the application will be cancelled after that date so I think we would have to start all over again?

My journal message says
We will be contacting you over the next couple of days to discuss your claim.
Kathy.
PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE

Feel like there's nothing much I can do now. I have got everything ready in case they call.. all ID documents photographed and attached to a blank e-mail, questions I need to ask etc.

I hope you get a call back soon Bringring

I'm sure you both will get calls on time! I suppose they will prioritise people whose applications are approaching deadline. They are aware that Digidentity is overloaded.

I have taken screen shots of the whole journal just in case...

Well been waiting for a call from UC all week but still nothing.

Just received a message on my journal; This is a final reminder to make an appointment before your application is cancelled.
Gah! My deadline is Monday.

Has anyone else made progress?

@SmileyClare

I'm sorry to hear that, but do not worry too much! While it is frustrating keep your cool and keep trying! For that matter I will keep trying with my selfies until they admit that it is me!

If they do not call you until deadline and delete your application, start it again. And after filling the forms make a note on journal regarding not receiving call back for ID check (do take print screens of your current journal, so you have evidence of the date and actions of your original claim).

If possible use some medication -

Thanks Happy good tip to screen shot.
My deadline has now changed on my "To do list" and is now the 27th April so I suppose they haven't cancelled my claim, just moved my deadline further away?

God knows! Thanks for the much needed medicinal wine.

For those who still read this...
Got a call from UC agent today (one week earlier - journal said 16th) to inform me that I'm not eligible due to previous year income.
I must admit I have had good income, however we bought a house last year and spent about 25k (part personal loan and part our money) to fix it, hence little savings left... And no job until at least September for me, hubby still works from home...
Nevertheless, the lady on the phone suggested to apply for JSA.