Migration ESA to UC. Online Identity Verification - credit references or records

Hello!

I am hoping to pass the Online Identity Verification when submitting my migration application from ESA to UC. Given that the DWP has recently limited this to just three choices - I intend to use my passport, and my only other option of, what they term: - "credit references or records – for example, information about credit cards or phone contracts".

I'm confused by this wording, and wondering if anyone on the forum can clarify what this is? Will I be able to choose which item I am asked about? Can I tick phone contract instead of credit card, for example? Is there any other credit reference/records they might ask about instead? Also, how detailed are the questions - do they ask about individual payments made on a credit card, for example?

Thanks

Hi Rosieposie

I recently completed the online verification, however i used my passport and driving licence which was fairly straightforward.
( David pinned my UC journey above).

The 1 thing i would advise is to make sure that you input your id details exactly as they are shown on your id documents.
I made the mistake of using upper and lower case whereas my passport was all uppercase / capitals and was initially rejected.

I was pulling my hair out as you only have 4 chances to input correctly.
After a wee break and taking a breather i eventually realised my mistake.

The other thing i would say is be prepared, have all your documents / paperwork beside you and it will be a wee bit easier as it was for me.

I know we are all different but claiming was not as bad or scary in the end.
It definitely was a massive relief and huge weight of shoulders.

Easy for me to say now i have completed process. But go for it..

You have the support and help of this exceptional forum, very helpful knowledgeable moderators and forum
members.

We are all behind you..Good Luck 👍

HI, I have done my online verification with passport and credit reference.

You do not have a choice in what they ask. They will not ask about an individual transaction on your credit card as they will not be able to verify that. What they will ask you is about ANY information from a credit reference file from a credit agency. The file info is about your credit. They asked me direct yes or no questions - Do you have a phone contract, Do you have a loan. There are also a few multiple choice questions rather than direct yes or no ones. For eg. Which address do you have an associated link with...they give you choices which only one is correct. They will only base the multiple choice questions with what you they have on you factually. So hopefully you should know and answer correctly. For me a multiple choice came up about which address do you have a link with. It was none of them to my knowledge but one of them was and was in my credit file which I had a copy of so I matched the address. I am of course disputing that with the relevant agency but the point i'm making is that all they are after is that you match it all, regardless of it being correct or not in the file. As for the passport they simply ask you to type in as it appears your number, name etc they did not ask for an image. I successfully passed all questions. Hope this helps.

Hello @roadrunner

Thank you so much for this insight. It is very helpful. Did you passing the online process also mean they did not require you to take a phone call or attend a job centre to verify your identity?

To pre-empt the process, I have already set up an account with checkmyfile.com - which covers I believe credit references agencies, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. (I think you can set this up for a free trial and cancel before the billing period begins - though I intend to keep it until my application is submitted.) I notice I appear not to be on the voters roll with one of the agencies, due to issues with the sequence of my first name (s). While, this is easily remedied, I have decided to leave it as it is, until after the verification process is complete - so as not to confuse and rock the boat.