§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security for what reason men aged 60 to 64 years have been required to provide their original birth certificate in connection with a claim for Winter Fuel payments; and what alternative documents will be accepted. [125307]
§ Angela Eagle[holding answer 9 June 2000]The best evidence of age than can be provided is a certified copy of an entry, which has by law to be made in a register concerning the event. This is classed as primary evidence. Photocopies of original documents carry little or no weight of evidence. This is because the original document 609W has authenticating features not available in a photocopy. However, photocopies that are certified as a true copy of the original are more acceptable.
If primary evidence is not available, then items of secondary evidence will be requested. Examples of these are:
- A certificate of baptism
- A marriage certificate
- A certificate of service in HM Forces
- A certificate of employment under the Crown
- A certificate of service in the mercantile Marine
- A certificate of membership of a Trade Union or Friendly Society
- Membership cards or papers of an Approved Society or unemployment insurance
- Apprenticeship indentures
- Early certificate or testimonial from an employer
- Certificate of Naturalisation, Alien's Registration card, Home Office travel documents or passport
- Life insurance policy
- Certificate of confirmation
- National Health Service medical card
- Adoption certificate.
Note:
This list is not exhaustive.