NI: Universal Credit roll-out complicated by ID woes

The roll-out of Universal Credit in Northern Ireland has been complicated by technical problems with claimants using Irish passports and Northern Ireland driving licenses.A number of claimants told BBC News they were unable to verify their identity through an online UK government website with these forms of ID, which are commonly used in Northern Ireland.

However, a spokesperson for the Department for Communities said that it had since “successfully tested” Irish passports on their system.

It added: “It should also be noted that the Department of Finance is working closely with Great Britain colleagues to include NI driving licence data as an additional verification tool within the verify process.

“That facility is fully expected to be available in time for the launch of Universal Credit in Northern Ireland.”

Universal Credit is due to be rolled out across Northern Ireland on 27 September.

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