One of my clients has changed her name. She is using the new name for all purposes and it is very important to her to be known by that name. She has got a letter from her GP confirming that she was previously known by the old name but is now known by the new name. The DWP have seen the GP's letter but are refusing to call the client by her new name. They say they will only accept a deed poll. Client doesn't want to get a deed poll and probably couldn't afford to get one because she's on Income Support.

Has anyone else encountered this issue?

to legally change your name, you have to have a deed poll .... if she's on IS, she might be able to get a sol to do it on legal help (can't remember if legal help covers this, sorry!)

not sure you absolutely have to do it by deed poll .... for example see http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/family_parent/family/change_of_name.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deed_of_change_of_name

The following is a small extract from what is a long chapter in the CAB information system:


A client who wishes to be known by a different name can change her/his name at any time, provided s/he does not intend to deceive or defraud another person. There is no legal procedure which a client must follow in order to change a name. S/he simply starts using the new name. S/he can change her/his forename or surname, add names or rearrange her/his existing names.


A client is not obliged to obtain legal proof that s/he has changed her/his name, provided that s/he can be identified by her/his new assumed name. However, there are some circumstances, for example, applying for a passport, when additional evidence of the change of name is required. Sometimes, only a statutory declaration or a deed poll will be sufficient evidence of a change of name. The evidence required varies, depending on the purpose for which it is needed and can include:-
• a letter from a responsible person
• a public announcement
• a statutory declaration
• a deed poll.

Thanks for the comments. The client doesn't want a deed poll or anything similar, partly because she thinks that the 'new' name should have been her name from birth so she doesn't regard herself as having changed her name IYSWIM.

So it looks like all we can do is suggest that a deedpoll isn't legally required and ask the DWP to use their discretion...

DWP cannot refuse to accept her change of personal details, deed poll is not required. Ask them to quote the Social Security legislation there are using!! There is none.

Hi All,

Should your client at some time in the future wish to change her name by deed poll (for a passport etc). She can do this under the Legal Help Scheme (legal aid).

Chaos