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Frustration with online things

Homebird

I had a letter recently to say I can get a forecast for my state pension. I am told I can do this online. When I got to the last stage of setting it up it asked for 2 forms of proof which I do not have. It says you can call a number. When I got to the front of the queue, I was told to ring a different number for a forecast on the phone. I rang the number and at first it seemed there were no suitable options, then another option was mentioned to get it on the phone, followed by a message to say the wait is over an hour, but you could do it online. I don't know if I am the only one who then starts telling the phone line that the whole reason I rang was because I can't do that. Maybe that is why the queue is so long because I am one of many.

I think I will just wait and see when I get there.

Parents

  • There are loads of these systems that are not properly designed and result in the issues you report here.

    It may be better to write to them, explain clearly the issues you face and how their system failed you and chances are you will get the info you want and some form of compensation (vouchers typically) for their failings.

    Homebird said:
    When I got to the last stage of setting it up it asked for 2 forms of proof which I do not have

    I would recommend getting some IDs that would work just to avoid these sorts of issues in future. Places like banks etc will need them too so getting something like a provisional driving license (no need to take tests) should give you a photo ID that works.

    We shouldn't need to do this but it is a practical approach to avoid being a victim of bad design or inflexible rules.

  • in reply to Iain

    Thats if you can find a physical address, many of these places don't deal with letters or emails.

    I don't have two forms of phot ID either, the government thinks its new ID scheme will solve all this, personally I seriously doubt it and think it will be just another hoop to jump through.

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  • in reply to Iain

    Thats if you can find a physical address, many of these places don't deal with letters or emails.

    I don't have two forms of phot ID either, the government thinks its new ID scheme will solve all this, personally I seriously doubt it and think it will be just another hoop to jump through.

Children
  • in reply to TheCatWoman

    Usually if two forms of ID are needed, one is photo ID such as passport or driving licence, and the other is a proof of address such as a council tax bill. Although as you have previously pointed out, there are some people who don't have either a passport or a driving licence, which are now needed to rent a property or open a bank account.

    I think that  was probably trying to set up a Government Gateway account, which enables you to view your tax record and state pension forecast. However when you come to claim the state pension you only need to provide the code on the letter they sent you, the date of your most recent marriage or civil partnership, dates of any time spent living or working abroad, and bank details.