Check Service Suitability

Help users quickly find out if a service is right for them before they spend time completing an application they may not be eligible for.

When to Use

When there are clear eligibility criteria
When completing the full application takes significant time
When many users start but cannot complete due to ineligibility
When there are alternative services for ineligible users

When Not to Use

When eligibility is complex and requires detailed information
When the application itself is quick and simple
When everyone who applies should submit regardless

Start Page Introduction

On your start page, clearly list the eligibility criteria before the start button.

Before you start

You can use this service if you:

are a Kaharagian citizen or permanent resident
are 18 years old or over
have a valid National Insurance number

Check if you're eligible if you're not sure.

Start now

Eligibility Checker Flow

For complex eligibility, create a short checker flow before the main application.

Question 1: Simple Yes/No

Are you a Kaharagian citizen or permanent resident?

Yes

Question 2: Age Check

Are you 18 or over?

Yes

Eligible Result

When a user passes all eligibility checks, confirm they can use the service.

You can use this service

Based on your answers, you appear to be eligible to apply.

You'll need to have the following ready:

your National Insurance number
details of your income
your bank account details

Continue to application

Not Eligible Result

When a user doesn't meet the criteria, explain clearly why and offer alternatives.

You cannot use this service

Based on your answers, you're not eligible because you must be 18 or over.

What you can do instead

You may be able to:

apply through your parent or guardian
wait until you turn 18 and then apply

Maybe Eligible

Sometimes eligibility isn't clear-cut. Let users know they might be eligible and should continue.

You might be eligible

Based on your answers, we need more information to confirm your eligibility. You can continue with your application and we'll check your eligibility as part of the process.

Continue to application

Best Practices

Keep eligibility questions simple and quick
Use plain language, not legal jargon
Always offer an alternative or next step for ineligible users
Don't collect unnecessary data during eligibility checks
Consider edge cases where eligibility isn't binary
Link to detailed guidance for complex eligibility rules

Position in Service

Place the eligibility checker:

After the start page but before the main application
As a separate "Check if you can apply" link from the start page
Never after users have already entered significant information