THE IMPORTANCE OF UK PROOF OF ADDRESS

This chapter will inform you of the importance of getting a British proof of address as soon as possible as it helps you settle down and saves you money.

It is very important that you open a bank account or apply to exchange your driving license as soon as possible. The bank statement or your driving license is your proof of address in London (or anywhere else in the country). You need to show proof you are staying in United Kingdom to:

1.       Get a postpaid mobile phone line service.

Meanwhile you will have to use a prepaid service until you get a proof of address and this is much more expensive than the postpaid phone line. Each day you have to use a prepaid phone, your money flies.

 2.      Register with the National Health Service (NHS) general practitioner’s (GP) clinic nearest to you.

In London it is very expensive to be sick. As long as you are not registered with the NHS you have to pay a consultation fee to visit the GP, which will cost around £100. Once you get your bank statement please go the GP clinic in your area to register. Imagine if you become sick one day before you receive your bank statement or GB driving license, then £100 will fly from your pocket.

You can get a list of GPs in your area from the local pharmacist store, library or from your local council office.

Meanwhile if you are really sick before registering with the NHS, and if you don’t want to pay, you can go to the nearest hospital; it will be free. But let me warn you that the hospital will take emergency cases only and it is usually a long wait.

3.   Apply for 16+ Oyster photocard you need a proof of address.

4.    Apply for your NI number interview. National Insurance is a tax and social security benefits system in the UK which both employers and employees contribute to.

Some employers will require you to have NI number before you can start working with them. Therefore it is also very important to get your NI number as soon as possible. For more information on National Insurance please go to www.direct.gov.uk and go to the Money, Tax and Benefits section.

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