UPDATE: Just had ESA>UC Home Visit, seemed to go OK

Hi,

Just an update for anyone waiting to go through the same process.

I don't have photo ID so I had to go through 'further checks' to verify my identity before my migration can proceed. I managed, after some effort and confusion, to arrange a home visit (under Reasonable Adjustment for complex needs) instead of having to go into the Jobcentre. They explained this could delay my claim by another few weeks.

As luck would have it, the visiting officer had a cancelled appointment today (Friday) and called me yesterday afternoon (Thursday) to ask if I was willing and able to have my visit at short notice. As I had everything ready and I just wanted to get it over with, I agreed. He didn't pressure me either way to agree or not. He explained exactly which documents/proof I would need (Council Tax bill, Birth certificate and Debit Card) and gave me a two-hour appointment window for the visit between 9-11AM.

He arrived today at around 9.15AM. He was friendly and courteous and willing to answer any questions, and he asked me if I could manage financially during the wait for payment. He didn't want originals or copies of any documents, he simply looked at them and filled in the details on what appeared to be a standard form. He said that everything seemed to be in order and that there shouldn't be any further delays in getting my claim up and running now. The whole process took about 15-20 minutes and then he left.

It all seemed to go smoothly enough but obviously I was lucky on a number of counts - not every visiting officer will be as pleasant and forthcoming as this one on the day, I just happened to have exactly the right documents, and I was very lucky to get bumped up the queue by a cancellation in the first place.

Now let's see if my good luck extends to getting the correct payment in good time.

Hi there,

I wonder if you can advise how you arranged this home visit?

I'm trying to arrange one for my housebound son who was told today that his condition (severe long COVID) doesn't qualify him for a home visit and I'm not sure how to go on from here.

Many thanks for any pointers you can give.

Ah, thanks for clarifying. Honestly I have just started reading the immensely long ESA/UC guide and feel overwhelmed by it all.

Am I actually going to be able to talk for my son at his assessment (he can't manage more than 5 minutes of conversation without feeling very ill) or would you advice trying to become his appointee? That in itself seems a procedure...