Applicants’ signatures

The current position is that where clients are present and able, you must get them to sign the declaration forms (from 4 August 2023)

 With all of the formal Covid restrictions now removed, you must always get clients to sign the declaration form when you are seeing them face to face.

A signature on the declaration is important as it provides assurance to us that the applicant understands the existence of, and has accepted, certain terms and conditions.

An important element of this is that the applicant is also aware that there are consequences if they breach those terms and conditions, and their signature captures their acceptance of that.

In addition, the applicant’s signature confirms:

1. the information they have provided is accurate, (and is not misleading)
2. the applicant knows that we will make further enquiries with other agencies, such as the DWP and they consent to those agencies responding to us
3. the applicant understands the requirement to notify us about any changes in their financial circumstances

Where an electronic signature using a stylus is acceptable (from 14 December 2023)

We consider that it is acceptable for a client to “sign” an electronic version of a paper form by applying a signature using a stylus (for example, iPencil).

You should save the form, and keep a copy of the PDF version in the file (whether paper or electronic).

Please note that the stylus signatures need to provide sufficient authentication (i.e. the signature appended using the stylus should be recognisable as the applicant’s signature and not simply an e-squiggle).