diff --git a/src/components/FeedSidebar.tsx b/src/components/FeedSidebar.tsx
index dfd4be4..fb837d5 100644
--- a/src/components/FeedSidebar.tsx
+++ b/src/components/FeedSidebar.tsx
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ import { TrendingUp, Users, Eye } from 'lucide-react';
 import { Card, CardContent, CardHeader, CardTitle } from '@/components/ui/card';
 import { Badge } from '@/components/ui/badge';
 import { useForumData, useForumSelectors, useAuth } from '@/hooks';
+import { EVerificationStatus } from '@/types/identity';
 import { CypherImage } from '@/components/ui/CypherImage';
 import { useUserDisplay } from '@/hooks';
 
@@ -29,9 +30,9 @@ const FeedSidebar: React.FC = () => {
 
   // User's verification status display
   const getVerificationBadge = () => {
-    if (verificationStatus.level === 'verified-owner') {
+    if (verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.ENS_ORDINAL_VERIFIED) {
       return { text: 'Verified Owner', color: 'bg-green-500' };
-    } else if (verificationStatus.level === 'verified-basic') {
+    } else if (verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.WALLET_CONNECTED) {
       return { text: 'Verified', color: 'bg-blue-500' };
     } else if (ensName) {
       return { text: 'ENS User', color: 'bg-purple-500' };
@@ -67,14 +68,14 @@ const FeedSidebar: React.FC = () => {
               </div>
             </div>
 
-            {verificationStatus.level === 'unverified' && (
+            {verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.WALLET_UNCONNECTED && (
               <div className="text-xs text-muted-foreground">
                 <Eye className="w-3 h-3 inline mr-1" />
                 Read-only mode. Verify wallet to participate.
               </div>
             )}
 
-            {verificationStatus.level === 'verified-basic' &&
+            {verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.WALLET_CONNECTED &&
               !ordinalDetails && (
                 <div className="text-xs text-muted-foreground">
                   <Eye className="w-3 h-3 inline mr-1" />
diff --git a/src/components/Header.tsx b/src/components/Header.tsx
index eb4cdd3..2d5cbb1 100644
--- a/src/components/Header.tsx
+++ b/src/components/Header.tsx
@@ -1,6 +1,8 @@
 import React, { useState } from 'react';
 import { Link, useLocation } from 'react-router-dom';
 import { useAuth, useNetworkStatus } from '@/hooks';
+import { useAuth as useAuthContext } from '@/contexts/useAuth';
+import { EVerificationStatus } from '@/types/identity';
 import { useForum } from '@/contexts/useForum';
 import { Button } from '@/components/ui/button';
 
@@ -27,7 +29,9 @@ import { WalletWizard } from '@/components/ui/wallet-wizard';
 import { useUserDisplay } from '@/hooks';
 
 const Header = () => {
-  const { verificationStatus, delegationInfo } = useAuth();
+  const { verificationStatus } = useAuth();
+  const { getDelegationStatus } = useAuthContext();
+  const delegationInfo = getDelegationStatus();
   const networkStatus = useNetworkStatus();
   const location = useLocation();
   const { toast } = useToast();
@@ -94,14 +98,10 @@ const Header = () => {
   const getAccountStatusText = () => {
     if (!isConnected) return 'Connect Wallet';
 
-    if (verificationStatus.level === 'verified-owner') {
-      return delegationInfo.isActive ? 'Ready to Post' : 'Delegation Expired';
-    } else if (verificationStatus.level === 'verified-basic') {
+    if (verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.ENS_ORDINAL_VERIFIED) {
+      return delegationInfo.isValid ? 'Ready to Post' : 'Delegation Expired';
+    } else if (verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.WALLET_CONNECTED) {
       return 'Verified (Read-only)';
-    } else if (verificationStatus.level === 'unverified') {
-      return verificationStatus.hasOrdinal
-        ? 'Verify Wallet'
-        : 'No Ordinals Found';
     } else {
       return 'Verify Wallet';
     }
@@ -111,13 +111,15 @@ const Header = () => {
     if (!isConnected) return 'text-red-400';
 
     if (
-      verificationStatus.level === 'verified-owner' &&
-      delegationInfo.isActive
+      verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.ENS_ORDINAL_VERIFIED &&
+      delegationInfo.isValid
     ) {
       return 'text-green-400';
-    } else if (verificationStatus.level === 'verified-basic') {
+    } else if (verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.WALLET_CONNECTED) {
       return 'text-yellow-400';
-    } else if (verificationStatus.hasOrdinal || verificationStatus.hasENS) {
+    } else if (
+      verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.ENS_ORDINAL_VERIFIED
+    ) {
       return 'text-orange-400';
     } else {
       return 'text-red-400';
@@ -128,13 +130,15 @@ const Header = () => {
     if (!isConnected) return <CircleSlash className="w-4 h-4" />;
 
     if (
-      verificationStatus.level === 'verified-owner' &&
-      delegationInfo.isActive
+      verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.ENS_ORDINAL_VERIFIED &&
+      delegationInfo.isValid
     ) {
       return <CheckCircle className="w-4 h-4" />;
-    } else if (verificationStatus.level === 'verified-basic') {
+    } else if (verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.WALLET_CONNECTED) {
       return <AlertTriangle className="w-4 h-4" />;
-    } else if (verificationStatus.hasOrdinal || verificationStatus.hasENS) {
+    } else if (
+      verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.ENS_ORDINAL_VERIFIED
+    ) {
       return <Key className="w-4 h-4" />;
     } else {
       return <AlertTriangle className="w-4 h-4" />;
diff --git a/src/components/PostList.tsx b/src/components/PostList.tsx
index 0d12407..6edca69 100644
--- a/src/components/PostList.tsx
+++ b/src/components/PostList.tsx
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ import {
   useUserVotes,
   useAuth,
 } from '@/hooks';
+import { EVerificationStatus } from '@/types/identity';
 import { Button } from '@/components/ui/button';
 import { Input } from '@/components/ui/input';
 import { Textarea } from '@/components/ui/textarea';
@@ -218,21 +219,22 @@ const PostList = () => {
         </div>
       )}
 
-      {!canPost && verificationStatus.level === 'verified-basic' && (
-        <div className="mb-8 p-4 border border-cyber-muted rounded-sm bg-cyber-muted/20">
-          <div className="flex items-center gap-2 mb-2">
-            <Eye className="w-4 h-4 text-cyber-neutral" />
-            <h3 className="font-medium">Read-Only Mode</h3>
+      {!canPost &&
+        verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.WALLET_CONNECTED && (
+          <div className="mb-8 p-4 border border-cyber-muted rounded-sm bg-cyber-muted/20">
+            <div className="flex items-center gap-2 mb-2">
+              <Eye className="w-4 h-4 text-cyber-neutral" />
+              <h3 className="font-medium">Read-Only Mode</h3>
+            </div>
+            <p className="text-sm text-cyber-neutral mb-2">
+              Your wallet does not contain any Ordinal Operators. You can browse
+              threads but cannot post or interact.
+            </p>
+            <Badge variant="outline" className="text-xs">
+              No Ordinals Found
+            </Badge>
           </div>
-          <p className="text-sm text-cyber-neutral mb-2">
-            Your wallet does not contain any Ordinal Operators. You can browse
-            threads but cannot post or interact.
-          </p>
-          <Badge variant="outline" className="text-xs">
-            No Ordinals Found
-          </Badge>
-        </div>
-      )}
+        )}
 
       {!canPost && !currentUser && (
         <div className="mb-8 p-4 border border-cyber-muted rounded-sm bg-cyber-muted/20 text-center">
diff --git a/src/components/examples/HookDemoComponent.tsx b/src/components/examples/HookDemoComponent.tsx
index f8fea2b..44834f2 100644
--- a/src/components/examples/HookDemoComponent.tsx
+++ b/src/components/examples/HookDemoComponent.tsx
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ import {
   useNetworkStatus,
   useForumSelectors,
 } from '@/hooks';
+import { useAuth as useAuthContext } from '@/contexts/useAuth';
 import { Card, CardContent, CardHeader, CardTitle } from '@/components/ui/card';
 import { Badge } from '@/components/ui/badge';
 import { Button } from '@/components/ui/button';
@@ -22,6 +23,7 @@ export function HookDemoComponent() {
   // Core data hooks - reactive and optimized
   const forumData = useForumData();
   const auth = useAuth();
+  const { getDelegationStatus } = useAuthContext();
 
   // Derived hooks for specific data
   const userVotes = useUserVotes();
@@ -131,12 +133,11 @@ export function HookDemoComponent() {
 
           <div className="grid grid-cols-2 gap-4">
             <div>
-              <strong>Verification Level:</strong>{' '}
-              {auth.verificationStatus.level}
+              <strong>Verification Level:</strong> {auth.verificationStatus}
             </div>
             <div>
               <strong>Delegation Active:</strong>{' '}
-              {auth.delegationInfo.isActive ? 'Yes' : 'No'}
+              {getDelegationStatus().isValid ? 'Yes' : 'No'}
             </div>
           </div>
 
diff --git a/src/components/ui/delegation-step.tsx b/src/components/ui/delegation-step.tsx
index 4bb21b4..74feab5 100644
--- a/src/components/ui/delegation-step.tsx
+++ b/src/components/ui/delegation-step.tsx
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 import React from 'react';
 import { Button } from './button';
 import { useAuth, useAuthActions } from '@/hooks';
+import { useAuth as useAuthContext } from '@/contexts/useAuth';
 import { CheckCircle, AlertCircle, Trash2 } from 'lucide-react';
 import { DelegationDuration } from '@/lib/delegation';
 
@@ -17,7 +18,9 @@ export function DelegationStep({
   isLoading,
   setIsLoading,
 }: DelegationStepProps) {
-  const { currentUser, delegationInfo, isAuthenticating } = useAuth();
+  const { currentUser, isAuthenticating } = useAuth();
+  const { getDelegationStatus } = useAuthContext();
+  const delegationInfo = getDelegationStatus();
   const { delegateKey, clearDelegation } = useAuthActions();
 
   const [selectedDuration, setSelectedDuration] =
@@ -125,19 +128,19 @@ export function DelegationStep({
         <div className="space-y-3">
           {/* Status */}
           <div className="flex items-center gap-2">
-            {delegationInfo.isActive ? (
+            {delegationInfo.isValid ? (
               <CheckCircle className="h-4 w-4 text-green-500" />
             ) : (
               <AlertCircle className="h-4 w-4 text-yellow-500" />
             )}
             <span
               className={`text-sm font-medium ${
-                delegationInfo.isActive ? 'text-green-400' : 'text-yellow-400'
+                delegationInfo.isValid ? 'text-green-400' : 'text-yellow-400'
               }`}
             >
-              {delegationInfo.isActive ? 'Delegated' : 'Required'}
+              {delegationInfo.isValid ? 'Delegated' : 'Required'}
             </span>
-            {delegationInfo.isActive && delegationInfo.timeRemaining && (
+            {delegationInfo.isValid && delegationInfo.timeRemaining && (
               <span className="text-xs text-neutral-400">
                 {delegationInfo.timeRemaining} remaining
               </span>
@@ -145,7 +148,7 @@ export function DelegationStep({
           </div>
 
           {/* Duration Selection */}
-          {!delegationInfo.isActive && (
+          {!delegationInfo.isValid && (
             <div className="space-y-3">
               <label className="text-sm font-medium text-neutral-300">
                 Delegation Duration:
@@ -184,7 +187,7 @@ export function DelegationStep({
           )}
 
           {/* Delegated Browser Public Key */}
-          {delegationInfo.isActive && currentUser?.browserPubKey && (
+          {delegationInfo.isValid && currentUser?.browserPubKey && (
             <div className="text-xs text-neutral-400">
               <div className="font-mono break-all bg-neutral-800 p-2 rounded">
                 {currentUser.browserPubKey}
@@ -200,7 +203,7 @@ export function DelegationStep({
           )}
 
           {/* Delete Button for Active Delegations */}
-          {delegationInfo.isActive && (
+          {delegationInfo.isValid && (
             <div className="flex justify-end">
               <Button
                 onClick={clearDelegation}
@@ -218,7 +221,7 @@ export function DelegationStep({
 
       {/* Action Buttons */}
       <div className="mt-auto space-y-2">
-        {delegationInfo.isActive ? (
+        {delegationInfo.isValid ? (
           <Button
             onClick={handleComplete}
             className="w-full bg-green-600 hover:bg-green-700 text-white"
diff --git a/src/components/ui/verification-step.tsx b/src/components/ui/verification-step.tsx
index ce0089b..f2e7021 100644
--- a/src/components/ui/verification-step.tsx
+++ b/src/components/ui/verification-step.tsx
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ import {
   AlertCircle,
 } from 'lucide-react';
 import { useAuth, useAuthActions } from '@/hooks';
+import { EVerificationStatus } from '@/types/identity';
 import { useAppKitAccount } from '@reown/appkit/react';
 import { OrdinalDetails, EnsDetails } from '@/types/identity';
 
@@ -217,7 +218,7 @@ export function VerificationStep({
   }
 
   // Show verification status
-  if (verificationStatus.level === 'verified-owner') {
+  if (verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.ENS_ORDINAL_VERIFIED) {
     return (
       <div className="flex flex-col h-full">
         <div className="flex-1 space-y-4">
diff --git a/src/components/ui/wallet-wizard.tsx b/src/components/ui/wallet-wizard.tsx
index 2252613..55317e6 100644
--- a/src/components/ui/wallet-wizard.tsx
+++ b/src/components/ui/wallet-wizard.tsx
@@ -9,6 +9,8 @@ import {
 import { Button } from '@/components/ui/button';
 import { CheckCircle, Circle, Loader2 } from 'lucide-react';
 import { useAuth } from '@/hooks';
+import { useAuth as useAuthContext } from '@/contexts/useAuth';
+import { EVerificationStatus } from '@/types/identity';
 import { WalletConnectionStep } from './wallet-connection-step';
 import { VerificationStep } from './verification-step';
 import { DelegationStep } from './delegation-step';
@@ -28,7 +30,9 @@ export function WalletWizard({
 }: WalletWizardProps) {
   const [currentStep, setCurrentStep] = React.useState<WizardStep>(1);
   const [isLoading, setIsLoading] = React.useState(false);
-  const { isAuthenticated, verificationStatus, delegationInfo } = useAuth();
+  const { isAuthenticated, verificationStatus } = useAuth();
+  const { getDelegationStatus } = useAuthContext();
+  const delegationInfo = getDelegationStatus();
   const hasInitialized = React.useRef(false);
 
   // Reset wizard when opened and determine starting step
@@ -39,15 +43,14 @@ export function WalletWizard({
         setCurrentStep(1); // Start at connection step if not authenticated
       } else if (
         isAuthenticated &&
-        (verificationStatus.level === 'unverified' ||
-          verificationStatus.level === 'verifying')
+        verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.WALLET_UNCONNECTED
       ) {
         setCurrentStep(2); // Start at verification step if authenticated but not verified
       } else if (
         isAuthenticated &&
-        (verificationStatus.level === 'verified-owner' ||
-          verificationStatus.level === 'verified-basic') &&
-        !delegationInfo.isActive
+        (verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.ENS_ORDINAL_VERIFIED ||
+          verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.WALLET_CONNECTED) &&
+        !delegationInfo.isValid
       ) {
         setCurrentStep(3); // Start at delegation step if verified but no valid delegation
       } else {
@@ -79,12 +82,17 @@ export function WalletWizard({
       return isAuthenticated ? 'complete' : 'current';
     } else if (step === 2) {
       if (!isAuthenticated) return 'disabled';
-      return verificationStatus.level !== 'unverified' ? 'complete' : 'current';
+      return verificationStatus !== EVerificationStatus.WALLET_UNCONNECTED
+        ? 'complete'
+        : 'current';
     } else if (step === 3) {
-      if (!isAuthenticated || verificationStatus.level === 'unverified') {
+      if (
+        !isAuthenticated ||
+        verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.WALLET_UNCONNECTED
+      ) {
         return 'disabled';
       }
-      return delegationInfo.isActive ? 'complete' : 'current';
+      return delegationInfo.isValid ? 'complete' : 'current';
     }
     return 'disabled';
   };
diff --git a/src/contexts/AuthContext.tsx b/src/contexts/AuthContext.tsx
index 651884b..54ac3d8 100644
--- a/src/contexts/AuthContext.tsx
+++ b/src/contexts/AuthContext.tsx
@@ -14,18 +14,13 @@ import {
 } from '@/lib/delegation';
 import { useAppKitAccount, useDisconnect, modal } from '@reown/appkit/react';
 
-export type VerificationStatus =
-  | 'unverified'
-  | 'verified-none'
-  | 'verified-basic'
-  | 'verified-owner'
-  | 'verifying';
+// Removed VerificationStatus type - using EVerificationStatus enum directly
 
 interface AuthContextType {
   currentUser: User | null;
   isAuthenticating: boolean;
   isAuthenticated: boolean;
-  verificationStatus: VerificationStatus;
+  verificationStatus: EVerificationStatus;
   connectWallet: () => Promise<boolean>;
   disconnectWallet: () => void;
   verifyOwnership: () => Promise<boolean>;
@@ -44,7 +39,7 @@ export function AuthProvider({ children }: { children: React.ReactNode }) {
   const [currentUser, setCurrentUser] = useState<User | null>(null);
   const [isAuthenticating, setIsAuthenticating] = useState(false);
   const [verificationStatus, setVerificationStatus] =
-    useState<VerificationStatus>('unverified');
+    useState<EVerificationStatus>(EVerificationStatus.WALLET_UNCONNECTED);
   const { toast } = useToast();
 
   // Use AppKit hooks for multi-chain support
@@ -118,8 +113,8 @@ export function AuthProvider({ children }: { children: React.ReactNode }) {
           ? { ordinalId: 'mock', ordinalDetails: 'Mock ordinal for testing' }
           : undefined,
         verificationStatus: hasOperators
-          ? EVerificationStatus.VERIFIED_OWNER
-          : EVerificationStatus.VERIFIED_BASIC,
+          ? EVerificationStatus.ENS_ORDINAL_VERIFIED
+          : EVerificationStatus.WALLET_CONNECTED,
         lastChecked: Date.now(),
       };
     } else if (user.walletType === 'ethereum') {
@@ -134,8 +129,8 @@ export function AuthProvider({ children }: { children: React.ReactNode }) {
           ...user,
           ensDetails: hasENS && ensName ? { ensName } : undefined,
           verificationStatus: hasENS
-            ? EVerificationStatus.VERIFIED_OWNER
-            : EVerificationStatus.VERIFIED_BASIC,
+            ? EVerificationStatus.ENS_ORDINAL_VERIFIED
+            : EVerificationStatus.WALLET_CONNECTED,
           lastChecked: Date.now(),
         };
       } catch (error) {
@@ -143,7 +138,7 @@ export function AuthProvider({ children }: { children: React.ReactNode }) {
         return {
           ...user,
           ensDetails: undefined,
-          verificationStatus: EVerificationStatus.VERIFIED_BASIC,
+          verificationStatus: EVerificationStatus.WALLET_CONNECTED,
           lastChecked: Date.now(),
         };
       }
@@ -204,7 +199,7 @@ export function AuthProvider({ children }: { children: React.ReactNode }) {
         const newUser: User = {
           address,
           walletType: isBitcoinConnected ? 'bitcoin' : 'ethereum',
-          verificationStatus: EVerificationStatus.VERIFIED_BASIC, // Connected wallets get basic verification by default
+          verificationStatus: EVerificationStatus.WALLET_CONNECTED, // Connected wallets get basic verification by default
           displayPreference: EDisplayPreference.WALLET_ADDRESS,
           lastChecked: Date.now(),
         };
@@ -220,32 +215,35 @@ export function AuthProvider({ children }: { children: React.ReactNode }) {
                   const updatedUser = {
                     ...newUser,
                     ensDetails: { ensName: walletInfo.ensName },
-                    verificationStatus: EVerificationStatus.VERIFIED_OWNER,
+                    verificationStatus:
+                      EVerificationStatus.ENS_ORDINAL_VERIFIED,
                   };
                   setCurrentUser(updatedUser);
-                  setVerificationStatus('verified-owner');
+                  setVerificationStatus(
+                    EVerificationStatus.ENS_ORDINAL_VERIFIED
+                  );
                   saveUser(updatedUser);
                 } else {
                   setCurrentUser(newUser);
-                  setVerificationStatus('verified-basic');
+                  setVerificationStatus(EVerificationStatus.WALLET_CONNECTED);
                   saveUser(newUser);
                 }
               })
               .catch(() => {
                 // Fallback to basic verification if ENS check fails
                 setCurrentUser(newUser);
-                setVerificationStatus('verified-basic');
+                setVerificationStatus(EVerificationStatus.WALLET_CONNECTED);
                 saveUser(newUser);
               });
           } catch {
             // WalletManager not ready, fallback to basic verification
             setCurrentUser(newUser);
-            setVerificationStatus('verified-basic');
+            setVerificationStatus(EVerificationStatus.WALLET_CONNECTED);
             saveUser(newUser);
           }
         } else {
           setCurrentUser(newUser);
-          setVerificationStatus('verified-basic');
+          setVerificationStatus(EVerificationStatus.WALLET_CONNECTED);
           saveUser(newUser);
         }
 
@@ -270,7 +268,7 @@ export function AuthProvider({ children }: { children: React.ReactNode }) {
     } else {
       // Wallet disconnected
       setCurrentUser(null);
-      setVerificationStatus('unverified');
+      setVerificationStatus(EVerificationStatus.WALLET_UNCONNECTED);
     }
   }, [isConnected, address, isBitcoinConnected, isEthereumConnected, toast]);
 
@@ -293,13 +291,17 @@ export function AuthProvider({ children }: { children: React.ReactNode }) {
     disconnect();
   };
 
-  const getVerificationStatus = (user: User): VerificationStatus => {
+  const getVerificationStatus = (user: User): EVerificationStatus => {
     if (user.walletType === 'bitcoin') {
-      return user.ordinalDetails ? 'verified-owner' : 'verified-basic';
+      return user.ordinalDetails
+        ? EVerificationStatus.ENS_ORDINAL_VERIFIED
+        : EVerificationStatus.WALLET_CONNECTED;
     } else if (user.walletType === 'ethereum') {
-      return user.ensDetails ? 'verified-owner' : 'verified-basic';
+      return user.ensDetails
+        ? EVerificationStatus.ENS_ORDINAL_VERIFIED
+        : EVerificationStatus.WALLET_CONNECTED;
     }
-    return 'unverified';
+    return EVerificationStatus.WALLET_UNCONNECTED;
   };
 
   const verifyOwnership = async (): Promise<boolean> => {
@@ -313,7 +315,7 @@ export function AuthProvider({ children }: { children: React.ReactNode }) {
     }
 
     setIsAuthenticating(true);
-    setVerificationStatus('verifying');
+    setVerificationStatus(EVerificationStatus.WALLET_CONNECTED); // Temporary state during verification
 
     try {
       const verificationType =
@@ -363,7 +365,7 @@ export function AuthProvider({ children }: { children: React.ReactNode }) {
       );
     } catch (error) {
       console.error('Error verifying ownership:', error);
-      setVerificationStatus('unverified');
+      setVerificationStatus(EVerificationStatus.WALLET_UNCONNECTED);
 
       let errorMessage = 'Failed to verify ownership. Please try again.';
       if (error instanceof Error) {
diff --git a/src/contexts/ForumContext.tsx b/src/contexts/ForumContext.tsx
index cb7dfdc..107f621 100644
--- a/src/contexts/ForumContext.tsx
+++ b/src/contexts/ForumContext.tsx
@@ -187,7 +187,7 @@ export function ForumProvider({ children }: { children: React.ReactNode }) {
               walletType: address.startsWith('0x')
                 ? ('ethereum' as const)
                 : ('bitcoin' as const),
-              verificationStatus: EVerificationStatus.UNVERIFIED,
+              verificationStatus: EVerificationStatus.WALLET_UNCONNECTED,
               displayPreference: EDisplayPreference.WALLET_ADDRESS,
             };
           }
diff --git a/src/hooks/actions/useAuthActions.ts b/src/hooks/actions/useAuthActions.ts
index 6fa4932..1f5eec2 100644
--- a/src/hooks/actions/useAuthActions.ts
+++ b/src/hooks/actions/useAuthActions.ts
@@ -1,8 +1,9 @@
 import { useCallback, useState } from 'react';
-import { useAuth } from '@/hooks/core/useEnhancedAuth';
+import { useAuth } from '@/hooks/core/useAuth';
 import { DelegationDuration } from '@/lib/delegation';
 import { useToast } from '@/components/ui/use-toast';
 import { useAuth as useAuthContext } from '@/contexts/useAuth';
+import { EVerificationStatus } from '@/types/identity';
 
 export interface AuthActionStates {
   isConnecting: boolean;
@@ -32,14 +33,13 @@ export interface AuthActions extends AuthActionStates {
  * Hook for authentication and verification actions
  */
 export function useAuthActions(): AuthActions {
-  const {
-    isAuthenticated,
-    isAuthenticating,
-    delegationInfo,
-    verificationStatus,
-  } = useAuth();
+  const { isAuthenticated, isAuthenticating, verificationStatus } = useAuth();
 
-  const { verifyOwnership, delegateKey: delegateKeyFromContext } = useAuthContext();
+  const {
+    verifyOwnership,
+    delegateKey: delegateKeyFromContext,
+    getDelegationStatus,
+  } = useAuthContext();
   const { toast } = useToast();
 
   const [isConnecting, setIsConnecting] = useState(false);
@@ -145,7 +145,7 @@ export function useAuthActions(): AuthActions {
       return false;
     }
 
-    if (verificationStatus.level !== 'unverified') {
+    if (verificationStatus !== EVerificationStatus.WALLET_UNCONNECTED) {
       toast({
         title: 'Already Verified',
         description: 'Your wallet is already verified.',
@@ -155,24 +155,24 @@ export function useAuthActions(): AuthActions {
 
     setIsVerifying(true);
 
-      try {
-        // Call the real verification function from AuthContext
-        const success = await verifyOwnership();
-        
-        if (success) {
-          toast({
-            title: 'Verification Complete',
-            description: 'Your wallet has been verified successfully.',
-          });
-        } else {
-          toast({
-            title: 'Verification Failed',
-            description: 'Failed to verify wallet ownership. Please try again.',
-            variant: 'destructive',
-          });
-        }
-        
-        return success;
+    try {
+      // Call the real verification function from AuthContext
+      const success = await verifyOwnership();
+
+      if (success) {
+        toast({
+          title: 'Verification Complete',
+          description: 'Your wallet has been verified successfully.',
+        });
+      } else {
+        toast({
+          title: 'Verification Failed',
+          description: 'Failed to verify wallet ownership. Please try again.',
+          variant: 'destructive',
+        });
+      }
+
+      return success;
     } catch (error) {
       console.error('Failed to verify wallet:', error);
       toast({
@@ -184,7 +184,7 @@ export function useAuthActions(): AuthActions {
     } finally {
       setIsVerifying(false);
     }
-  }, [isAuthenticated, verificationStatus.level, verifyOwnership, toast]);
+  }, [isAuthenticated, verificationStatus, verifyOwnership, toast]);
 
   // Delegate key
   const delegateKey = useCallback(
@@ -198,7 +198,7 @@ export function useAuthActions(): AuthActions {
         return false;
       }
 
-      if (verificationStatus.level === 'unverified') {
+      if (verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.WALLET_UNCONNECTED) {
         toast({
           title: 'Verification Required',
           description: 'Please verify your wallet before delegating keys.',
@@ -212,7 +212,7 @@ export function useAuthActions(): AuthActions {
       try {
         // Call the real delegation function from AuthContext
         const success = await delegateKeyFromContext(duration);
-        
+
         if (success) {
           const durationLabel = duration === '7days' ? '1 week' : '30 days';
           toast({
@@ -226,7 +226,7 @@ export function useAuthActions(): AuthActions {
             variant: 'destructive',
           });
         }
-        
+
         return success;
       } catch (error) {
         console.error('Failed to delegate key:', error);
@@ -240,12 +240,13 @@ export function useAuthActions(): AuthActions {
         setIsDelegating(false);
       }
     },
-    [isAuthenticated, verificationStatus.level, delegateKeyFromContext, toast]
+    [isAuthenticated, verificationStatus, delegateKeyFromContext, toast]
   );
 
   // Clear delegation
   const clearDelegation = useCallback(async (): Promise<boolean> => {
-    if (!delegationInfo.isActive) {
+    const delegationInfo = getDelegationStatus();
+    if (!delegationInfo.isValid) {
       toast({
         title: 'No Active Delegation',
         description: 'There is no active key delegation to clear.',
@@ -271,7 +272,7 @@ export function useAuthActions(): AuthActions {
       });
       return false;
     }
-  }, [delegationInfo.isActive, toast]);
+  }, [getDelegationStatus, toast]);
 
   // Renew delegation
   const renewDelegation = useCallback(
diff --git a/src/hooks/actions/useForumActions.ts b/src/hooks/actions/useForumActions.ts
index f31cb51..3dceb21 100644
--- a/src/hooks/actions/useForumActions.ts
+++ b/src/hooks/actions/useForumActions.ts
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 import { useCallback } from 'react';
 import { useForum } from '@/contexts/useForum';
-import { useAuth } from '@/hooks/core/useEnhancedAuth';
+import { useAuth } from '@/hooks/core/useAuth';
+import { usePermissions } from '@/hooks/core/usePermissions';
 import { Cell, Post, Comment } from '@/types/forum';
 import { useToast } from '@/components/ui/use-toast';
 
@@ -74,7 +75,8 @@ export function useForumActions(): ForumActions {
     getCellById,
   } = useForum();
 
-  const { currentUser, permissions } = useAuth();
+  const { currentUser } = useAuth();
+  const permissions = usePermissions();
   const { toast } = useToast();
 
   // Cell creation
@@ -87,7 +89,7 @@ export function useForumActions(): ForumActions {
       if (!permissions.canCreateCell) {
         toast({
           title: 'Permission Denied',
-          description: 'You need to verify Ordinal ownership to create cells.',
+          description: permissions.createCellReason,
           variant: 'destructive',
         });
         return null;
@@ -176,8 +178,7 @@ export function useForumActions(): ForumActions {
       if (!permissions.canComment) {
         toast({
           title: 'Permission Denied',
-          description:
-            'You need to verify Ordinal ownership to create comments.',
+          description: permissions.commentReason,
           variant: 'destructive',
         });
         return null;
@@ -219,8 +220,7 @@ export function useForumActions(): ForumActions {
       if (!permissions.canVote) {
         toast({
           title: 'Permission Denied',
-          description:
-            'You need to verify wallet ownership or have ENS/Ordinals to vote.',
+          description: permissions.voteReason,
           variant: 'destructive',
         });
         return false;
@@ -253,8 +253,7 @@ export function useForumActions(): ForumActions {
       if (!permissions.canVote) {
         toast({
           title: 'Permission Denied',
-          description:
-            'You need to verify wallet ownership or have ENS/Ordinals to vote.',
+          description: permissions.voteReason,
           variant: 'destructive',
         });
         return false;
diff --git a/src/hooks/actions/useUserActions.ts b/src/hooks/actions/useUserActions.ts
index d68de49..ea143cc 100644
--- a/src/hooks/actions/useUserActions.ts
+++ b/src/hooks/actions/useUserActions.ts
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 import { useCallback, useState } from 'react';
 import { useForum } from '@/contexts/useForum';
-import { useAuth } from '@/hooks/core/useEnhancedAuth';
+import { useAuth } from '@/hooks/core/useAuth';
+import { usePermissions } from '@/hooks/core/usePermissions';
 import { EDisplayPreference } from '@/types/identity';
 import { useToast } from '@/components/ui/use-toast';
 
@@ -25,7 +26,8 @@ export interface UserActions extends UserActionStates {
  */
 export function useUserActions(): UserActions {
   const { userIdentityService } = useForum();
-  const { currentUser, permissions } = useAuth();
+  const { currentUser } = useAuth();
+  const permissions = usePermissions();
   const { toast } = useToast();
 
   const [isUpdatingProfile, setIsUpdatingProfile] = useState(false);
diff --git a/src/hooks/core/useAuth.ts b/src/hooks/core/useAuth.ts
index 58c364e..c848ffe 100644
--- a/src/hooks/core/useAuth.ts
+++ b/src/hooks/core/useAuth.ts
@@ -1,8 +1,56 @@
-// Re-export the enhanced auth hook as the main useAuth
-export { useEnhancedAuth as useAuth } from './useEnhancedAuth';
-export type {
-  Permission,
-  DetailedVerificationStatus,
-  DelegationInfo,
-  EnhancedAuthState,
-} from './useEnhancedAuth';
+import { useAuth as useBaseAuth } from '@/contexts/useAuth';
+import { User, EVerificationStatus } from '@/types/identity';
+
+export interface AuthState {
+  currentUser: User | null;
+  isAuthenticated: boolean;
+  isAuthenticating: boolean;
+  verificationStatus: EVerificationStatus;
+
+  // Helper functions
+  getDisplayName: () => string;
+  getVerificationBadge: () => string | null;
+}
+
+/**
+ * Unified authentication hook that provides core auth state and helpers
+ */
+export function useAuth(): AuthState {
+  const { currentUser, isAuthenticated, isAuthenticating, verificationStatus } =
+    useBaseAuth();
+
+  // Helper functions
+  const getDisplayName = (): string => {
+    if (!currentUser) return 'Anonymous';
+
+    if (currentUser.callSign) {
+      return currentUser.callSign;
+    }
+
+    if (currentUser.ensDetails?.ensName) {
+      return currentUser.ensDetails.ensName;
+    }
+
+    return `${currentUser.address.slice(0, 6)}...${currentUser.address.slice(-4)}`;
+  };
+
+  const getVerificationBadge = (): string | null => {
+    switch (verificationStatus) {
+      case EVerificationStatus.ENS_ORDINAL_VERIFIED:
+        return '🔑'; // ENS/Ordinal owner
+      case EVerificationStatus.WALLET_CONNECTED:
+        return '✅'; // Wallet connected
+      default:
+        return null;
+    }
+  };
+
+  return {
+    currentUser,
+    isAuthenticated,
+    isAuthenticating,
+    verificationStatus,
+    getDisplayName,
+    getVerificationBadge,
+  };
+}
diff --git a/src/hooks/core/useEnhancedAuth.ts b/src/hooks/core/useEnhancedAuth.ts
deleted file mode 100644
index bd6a0e5..0000000
--- a/src/hooks/core/useEnhancedAuth.ts
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,248 +0,0 @@
-import { useMemo } from 'react';
-import { useAuth as useBaseAuth } from '@/contexts/useAuth';
-import { User, EVerificationStatus } from '@/types/identity';
-
-export interface Permission {
-  canPost: boolean;
-  canComment: boolean;
-  canVote: boolean;
-  canCreateCell: boolean;
-  canModerate: (cellId: string) => boolean;
-  canDelegate: boolean;
-  canUpdateProfile: boolean;
-}
-
-export interface DetailedVerificationStatus {
-  level: EVerificationStatus;
-  hasWallet: boolean;
-  hasENS: boolean;
-  hasOrdinal: boolean;
-  hasCallSign: boolean;
-  isVerifying: boolean;
-  canUpgrade: boolean;
-  nextSteps: string[];
-}
-
-export interface DelegationInfo {
-  isActive: boolean;
-  isExpired: boolean;
-  expiresAt: number | null;
-  timeRemaining: string | null;
-  canDelegate: boolean;
-  needsRenewal: boolean;
-}
-
-export interface EnhancedAuthState {
-  // Base auth data
-  currentUser: User | null;
-  isAuthenticated: boolean;
-  isAuthenticating: boolean;
-
-  // Enhanced verification info
-  verificationStatus: DetailedVerificationStatus;
-
-  // Delegation info
-  delegationInfo: DelegationInfo;
-
-  // Permissions
-  permissions: Permission;
-
-  // Helper functions
-  hasPermission: (action: keyof Permission, cellId?: string) => boolean;
-  getDisplayName: () => string;
-  getVerificationBadge: () => string | null;
-}
-
-/**
- * Enhanced authentication hook with detailed status and permissions
- */
-export function useEnhancedAuth(): EnhancedAuthState {
-  const {
-    currentUser,
-    isAuthenticated,
-    isAuthenticating,
-    verificationStatus: baseVerificationStatus,
-    getDelegationStatus,
-  } = useBaseAuth();
-
-  // Detailed verification status
-  const verificationStatus = useMemo((): DetailedVerificationStatus => {
-    const hasWallet = !!currentUser;
-    const hasENS = !!currentUser?.ensDetails;
-    const hasOrdinal = !!currentUser?.ordinalDetails;
-    const hasCallSign = !!currentUser?.callSign;
-    const isVerifying = baseVerificationStatus === 'verifying';
-
-    let level: EVerificationStatus = EVerificationStatus.UNVERIFIED;
-    if (currentUser) {
-      level = currentUser.verificationStatus;
-    }
-
-    const canUpgrade =
-      hasWallet && !isVerifying && level !== EVerificationStatus.VERIFIED_OWNER;
-
-    const nextSteps: string[] = [];
-    if (!hasWallet) {
-      nextSteps.push('Connect your wallet');
-    } else if (level === EVerificationStatus.UNVERIFIED) {
-      nextSteps.push('Verify wallet ownership');
-      if (!hasOrdinal && !hasENS) {
-        nextSteps.push('Acquire Ordinal or ENS for posting privileges');
-      }
-    } else if (level === EVerificationStatus.VERIFIED_BASIC && !hasOrdinal) {
-      nextSteps.push('Acquire Ordinal for full privileges');
-    }
-
-    if (hasWallet && !hasCallSign) {
-      nextSteps.push('Set up call sign for better identity');
-    }
-
-    return {
-      level,
-      hasWallet,
-      hasENS,
-      hasOrdinal,
-      hasCallSign,
-      isVerifying,
-      canUpgrade,
-      nextSteps,
-    };
-  }, [currentUser, baseVerificationStatus]);
-
-  // Delegation information
-  const delegationInfo = useMemo((): DelegationInfo => {
-    const delegationStatus = getDelegationStatus();
-    const isActive = delegationStatus.isValid;
-
-    let expiresAt: number | null = null;
-    let timeRemaining: string | null = null;
-    let isExpired = false;
-
-    if (currentUser?.delegationExpiry) {
-      expiresAt = currentUser.delegationExpiry;
-      const now = Date.now();
-      isExpired = now > expiresAt;
-
-      if (!isExpired) {
-        const remaining = expiresAt - now;
-        const hours = Math.floor(remaining / (1000 * 60 * 60));
-        const days = Math.floor(hours / 24);
-
-        if (days > 0) {
-          timeRemaining = `${days} day${days > 1 ? 's' : ''}`;
-        } else {
-          timeRemaining = `${hours} hour${hours > 1 ? 's' : ''}`;
-        }
-      }
-    }
-
-    const canDelegate =
-      isAuthenticated &&
-      verificationStatus.level !== EVerificationStatus.UNVERIFIED;
-    const needsRenewal =
-      isExpired ||
-      (expiresAt !== null && expiresAt - Date.now() < 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000); // Less than 24 hours
-
-    return {
-      isActive,
-      isExpired,
-      expiresAt,
-      timeRemaining,
-      canDelegate,
-      needsRenewal,
-    };
-  }, [
-    currentUser,
-    getDelegationStatus,
-    isAuthenticated,
-    verificationStatus.level,
-  ]);
-
-  // Permission calculations
-  const permissions = useMemo((): Permission => {
-    const canPost =
-      verificationStatus.level === EVerificationStatus.VERIFIED_OWNER;
-    const canComment = canPost; // Same requirements for now
-    const canVote =
-      canPost || verificationStatus.hasENS || verificationStatus.hasOrdinal;
-    const canCreateCell = canPost;
-    const canDelegate =
-      verificationStatus.level !== EVerificationStatus.UNVERIFIED;
-    const canUpdateProfile = isAuthenticated;
-
-    const canModerate = (cellId: string): boolean => {
-      if (!currentUser || !cellId) return false;
-      // This would need to be enhanced with actual cell ownership data
-      // For now, we'll return false and let the specific hooks handle this
-      return false;
-    };
-
-    return {
-      canPost,
-      canComment,
-      canVote,
-      canCreateCell,
-      canModerate,
-      canDelegate,
-      canUpdateProfile,
-    };
-  }, [verificationStatus, currentUser, isAuthenticated]);
-
-  // Helper functions
-  const hasPermission = (
-    action: keyof Permission,
-    cellId?: string
-  ): boolean => {
-    const permission = permissions[action];
-    if (typeof permission === 'function') {
-      return permission(cellId || '');
-    }
-    return Boolean(permission);
-  };
-
-  const getDisplayName = (): string => {
-    if (!currentUser) return 'Anonymous';
-
-    if (currentUser.callSign) {
-      return currentUser.callSign;
-    }
-
-    if (currentUser.ensDetails?.ensName) {
-      return currentUser.ensDetails.ensName;
-    }
-
-    return `${currentUser.address.slice(0, 6)}...${currentUser.address.slice(-4)}`;
-  };
-
-  const getVerificationBadge = (): string | null => {
-    switch (verificationStatus.level) {
-      case EVerificationStatus.VERIFIED_OWNER:
-        return '🔑'; // Ordinal owner
-      case EVerificationStatus.VERIFIED_BASIC:
-        return '✅'; // Verified wallet
-      default:
-        if (verificationStatus.hasENS) return '🏷️'; // ENS
-        return null;
-    }
-  };
-
-  return {
-    // Base auth data
-    currentUser,
-    isAuthenticated,
-    isAuthenticating,
-
-    // Enhanced status
-    verificationStatus,
-    delegationInfo,
-    permissions,
-
-    // Helper functions
-    hasPermission,
-    getDisplayName,
-    getVerificationBadge,
-  };
-}
-
-// Export the enhanced hook as the main useAuth hook
-export { useEnhancedAuth as useAuth };
diff --git a/src/hooks/core/useEnhancedUserDisplay.ts b/src/hooks/core/useEnhancedUserDisplay.ts
index 11a9424..9b499da 100644
--- a/src/hooks/core/useEnhancedUserDisplay.ts
+++ b/src/hooks/core/useEnhancedUserDisplay.ts
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ export function useEnhancedUserDisplay(address: string): UserDisplayInfo {
     callSign: null,
     ensName: null,
     ordinalDetails: null,
-    verificationLevel: EVerificationStatus.UNVERIFIED,
+    verificationLevel: EVerificationStatus.WALLET_UNCONNECTED,
     displayPreference: null,
     isLoading: true,
     error: null,
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ export function useEnhancedUserDisplay(address: string): UserDisplayInfo {
       userVerificationStatus[address] || {
         isVerified: false,
         ensName: null,
-        verificationStatus: EVerificationStatus.UNVERIFIED,
+        verificationStatus: EVerificationStatus.WALLET_UNCONNECTED,
       }
     );
   }, [userVerificationStatus, address]);
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ export function useEnhancedUserDisplay(address: string): UserDisplayInfo {
           ordinalDetails: null,
           verificationLevel:
             verificationInfo.verificationStatus ||
-            EVerificationStatus.UNVERIFIED,
+            EVerificationStatus.WALLET_UNCONNECTED,
           displayPreference: null,
           isLoading: false,
           error: null,
@@ -109,7 +109,7 @@ export function useEnhancedUserDisplay(address: string): UserDisplayInfo {
             ordinalDetails: null,
             verificationLevel:
               verificationInfo.verificationStatus ||
-              EVerificationStatus.UNVERIFIED,
+              EVerificationStatus.WALLET_UNCONNECTED,
             displayPreference: null,
             isLoading: false,
             error: null,
@@ -125,7 +125,7 @@ export function useEnhancedUserDisplay(address: string): UserDisplayInfo {
           callSign: null,
           ensName: null,
           ordinalDetails: null,
-          verificationLevel: EVerificationStatus.UNVERIFIED,
+          verificationLevel: EVerificationStatus.WALLET_UNCONNECTED,
           displayPreference: null,
           isLoading: false,
           error: error instanceof Error ? error.message : 'Unknown error',
diff --git a/src/hooks/core/useForumData.ts b/src/hooks/core/useForumData.ts
index 63b080c..0a00d40 100644
--- a/src/hooks/core/useForumData.ts
+++ b/src/hooks/core/useForumData.ts
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ import { useMemo } from 'react';
 import { useForum } from '@/contexts/useForum';
 import { useAuth } from '@/contexts/useAuth';
 import { Cell, Post, Comment, UserVerificationStatus } from '@/types/forum';
+import { EVerificationStatus } from '@/types/identity';
 
 export interface CellWithStats extends Cell {
   postCount: number;
@@ -96,8 +97,9 @@ export function useForumData(): ForumData {
     if (!currentUser) return false;
 
     return (
-      currentUser.verificationStatus === 'verified-owner' ||
-      currentUser.verificationStatus === 'verified-basic' ||
+      currentUser.verificationStatus ===
+        EVerificationStatus.ENS_ORDINAL_VERIFIED ||
+      currentUser.verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.WALLET_CONNECTED ||
       Boolean(currentUser.ensDetails) ||
       Boolean(currentUser.ordinalDetails)
     );
diff --git a/src/hooks/core/usePermissions.ts b/src/hooks/core/usePermissions.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0d64c6c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/hooks/core/usePermissions.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,159 @@
+import { useMemo } from 'react';
+import { useAuth } from './useAuth';
+import { useForumData } from './useForumData';
+import { EVerificationStatus } from '@/types/identity';
+
+export interface Permission {
+  canPost: boolean;
+  canComment: boolean;
+  canVote: boolean;
+  canCreateCell: boolean;
+  canModerate: (cellId: string) => boolean;
+  canDelegate: boolean;
+  canUpdateProfile: boolean;
+}
+
+export interface PermissionReasons {
+  voteReason: string;
+  postReason: string;
+  commentReason: string;
+  createCellReason: string;
+  moderateReason: (cellId: string) => string;
+}
+
+export interface PermissionResult {
+  allowed: boolean;
+  reason: string;
+}
+
+/**
+ * Unified permission system with single source of truth for all permission logic
+ */
+export function usePermissions(): Permission &
+  PermissionReasons & {
+    checkPermission: (
+      action: keyof Permission,
+      cellId?: string
+    ) => PermissionResult;
+  } {
+  const { currentUser, verificationStatus } = useAuth();
+  const { cellsWithStats } = useForumData();
+
+  // Single source of truth for all permission logic
+  const permissions = useMemo((): Permission => {
+    const isWalletConnected =
+      verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.WALLET_CONNECTED;
+    const isVerified =
+      verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.ENS_ORDINAL_VERIFIED;
+
+    return {
+      canPost: isWalletConnected || isVerified,
+      canComment: isWalletConnected || isVerified,
+      canVote: isWalletConnected || isVerified,
+      canCreateCell: isVerified, // Only ENS/Ordinal owners
+      canModerate: (cellId: string) => {
+        if (!currentUser || !cellId) return false;
+        // Check if user is the creator of the cell
+        const cell = cellsWithStats.find(c => c.id === cellId);
+        return cell ? cell.author === currentUser.address : false;
+      },
+      canDelegate: isWalletConnected || isVerified,
+      canUpdateProfile: Boolean(currentUser),
+    };
+  }, [currentUser, verificationStatus, cellsWithStats]);
+
+  // Single source of truth for permission reasons
+  const reasons = useMemo((): PermissionReasons => {
+    if (!currentUser) {
+      return {
+        voteReason: 'Connect your wallet to vote',
+        postReason: 'Connect your wallet to post',
+        commentReason: 'Connect your wallet to comment',
+        createCellReason: 'Connect your wallet to create cells',
+        moderateReason: () => 'Connect your wallet to moderate',
+      };
+    }
+
+    return {
+      voteReason: permissions.canVote
+        ? 'You can vote'
+        : 'Verify ENS or Logos ordinal to vote',
+      postReason: permissions.canPost
+        ? 'You can post'
+        : 'Verify ENS or Logos ordinal to post',
+      commentReason: permissions.canComment
+        ? 'You can comment'
+        : 'Verify ENS or Logos ordinal to comment',
+      createCellReason: permissions.canCreateCell
+        ? 'You can create cells'
+        : 'Verify ENS or Logos ordinal to create cells',
+      moderateReason: (cellId: string) => {
+        if (!cellId) return 'Cell ID required';
+        return permissions.canModerate(cellId)
+          ? 'You can moderate this cell'
+          : 'Only cell creators can moderate';
+      },
+    };
+  }, [currentUser, verificationStatus, permissions]);
+
+  // Unified permission checker
+  const checkPermission = useMemo(() => {
+    return (action: keyof Permission, cellId?: string): PermissionResult => {
+      let allowed = false;
+      let reason = '';
+
+      switch (action) {
+        case 'canVote':
+          allowed = permissions.canVote;
+          reason = reasons.voteReason;
+          break;
+
+        case 'canPost':
+          allowed = permissions.canPost;
+          reason = reasons.postReason;
+          break;
+
+        case 'canComment':
+          allowed = permissions.canComment;
+          reason = reasons.commentReason;
+          break;
+
+        case 'canCreateCell':
+          allowed = permissions.canCreateCell;
+          reason = reasons.createCellReason;
+          break;
+
+        case 'canModerate':
+          allowed = cellId ? permissions.canModerate(cellId) : false;
+          reason = cellId ? reasons.moderateReason(cellId) : 'Cell ID required';
+          break;
+
+        case 'canDelegate':
+          allowed = permissions.canDelegate;
+          reason = allowed
+            ? 'You can delegate keys'
+            : 'Connect your wallet to delegate keys';
+          break;
+
+        case 'canUpdateProfile':
+          allowed = permissions.canUpdateProfile;
+          reason = allowed
+            ? 'You can update your profile'
+            : 'Connect your wallet to update profile';
+          break;
+
+        default:
+          allowed = false;
+          reason = 'Unknown permission';
+      }
+
+      return { allowed, reason };
+    };
+  }, [permissions, reasons]);
+
+  return {
+    ...permissions,
+    ...reasons,
+    checkPermission,
+  };
+}
diff --git a/src/hooks/derived/useCell.ts b/src/hooks/derived/useCell.ts
index b9f299a..07f7b13 100644
--- a/src/hooks/derived/useCell.ts
+++ b/src/hooks/derived/useCell.ts
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 import { useMemo } from 'react';
 import { useForumData, CellWithStats } from '@/hooks/core/useForumData';
-import { useAuth } from '@/hooks/core/useEnhancedAuth';
+import { useAuth } from '@/hooks/core/useAuth';
+import { EVerificationStatus } from '@/types/identity';
 
 export interface CellData extends CellWithStats {
   posts: Array<{
@@ -49,8 +50,10 @@ export function useCell(cellId: string | undefined): CellData | null {
       : false;
     const canModerate = isUserAdmin;
     const canPost = currentUser
-      ? currentUser.verificationStatus === 'verified-owner' ||
-        currentUser.verificationStatus === 'verified-basic' ||
+      ? currentUser.verificationStatus ===
+          EVerificationStatus.ENS_ORDINAL_VERIFIED ||
+        currentUser.verificationStatus ===
+          EVerificationStatus.WALLET_CONNECTED ||
         Boolean(currentUser.ensDetails) ||
         Boolean(currentUser.ordinalDetails)
       : false;
diff --git a/src/hooks/derived/useCellPosts.ts b/src/hooks/derived/useCellPosts.ts
index 2f02209..ba3758d 100644
--- a/src/hooks/derived/useCellPosts.ts
+++ b/src/hooks/derived/useCellPosts.ts
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 import { useMemo } from 'react';
 import { useForumData, PostWithVoteStatus } from '@/hooks/core/useForumData';
-import { useAuth } from '@/hooks/core/useEnhancedAuth';
+import { useAuth } from '@/hooks/core/useAuth';
 
 export interface CellPostsOptions {
   includeModerated?: boolean;
diff --git a/src/hooks/derived/usePost.ts b/src/hooks/derived/usePost.ts
index 88d5e55..71aa9be 100644
--- a/src/hooks/derived/usePost.ts
+++ b/src/hooks/derived/usePost.ts
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ import {
   PostWithVoteStatus,
   CommentWithVoteStatus,
 } from '@/hooks/core/useForumData';
-import { useAuth } from '@/hooks/core/useEnhancedAuth';
+import { useAuth } from '@/hooks/core/useAuth';
 
 export interface PostData extends PostWithVoteStatus {
   cell: {
diff --git a/src/hooks/derived/usePostComments.ts b/src/hooks/derived/usePostComments.ts
index 0041b44..6a214b7 100644
--- a/src/hooks/derived/usePostComments.ts
+++ b/src/hooks/derived/usePostComments.ts
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 import { useMemo } from 'react';
 import { useForumData, CommentWithVoteStatus } from '@/hooks/core/useForumData';
-import { useAuth } from '@/hooks/core/useEnhancedAuth';
+import { useAuth } from '@/hooks/core/useAuth';
 
 export interface PostCommentsOptions {
   includeModerated?: boolean;
diff --git a/src/hooks/derived/useUserVotes.ts b/src/hooks/derived/useUserVotes.ts
index fca0d6b..6f236b3 100644
--- a/src/hooks/derived/useUserVotes.ts
+++ b/src/hooks/derived/useUserVotes.ts
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 import { useMemo } from 'react';
 import { useForumData } from '@/hooks/core/useForumData';
-import { useAuth } from '@/hooks/core/useEnhancedAuth';
+import { useAuth } from '@/hooks/core/useAuth';
 
 export interface UserVoteData {
   // Vote status for specific items
diff --git a/src/hooks/index.ts b/src/hooks/index.ts
index 687e36c..d2e21e1 100644
--- a/src/hooks/index.ts
+++ b/src/hooks/index.ts
@@ -11,12 +11,12 @@ export type {
   CommentWithVoteStatus,
 } from './core/useForumData';
 
+export type { AuthState } from './core/useAuth';
 export type {
   Permission,
-  DetailedVerificationStatus,
-  DelegationInfo,
-  EnhancedAuthState,
-} from './core/useEnhancedAuth';
+  PermissionReasons,
+  PermissionResult,
+} from './core/usePermissions';
 
 export type { UserDisplayInfo } from './core/useEnhancedUserDisplay';
 
@@ -53,11 +53,7 @@ export { useAuthActions } from './actions/useAuthActions';
 export type { AuthActionStates, AuthActions } from './actions/useAuthActions';
 
 // Utility hooks
-export { usePermissions } from './utilities/usePermissions';
-export type {
-  PermissionCheck,
-  DetailedPermissions,
-} from './utilities/usePermissions';
+export { usePermissions } from './core/usePermissions';
 
 export { useNetworkStatus } from './utilities/useNetworkStatus';
 export type {
diff --git a/src/hooks/utilities/useNetworkStatus.ts b/src/hooks/utilities/useNetworkStatus.ts
index 5f06c89..3a4e806 100644
--- a/src/hooks/utilities/useNetworkStatus.ts
+++ b/src/hooks/utilities/useNetworkStatus.ts
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 import { useMemo } from 'react';
 import { useForum } from '@/contexts/useForum';
-import { useAuth } from '@/hooks/core/useEnhancedAuth';
+import { useAuth } from '@/hooks/core/useAuth';
+import { useAuth as useAuthContext } from '@/contexts/useAuth';
 
 export interface NetworkHealth {
   isConnected: boolean;
@@ -61,7 +62,9 @@ export function useNetworkStatus(): NetworkStatusData {
   const { isNetworkConnected, isInitialLoading, isRefreshing, error } =
     useForum();
 
-  const { isAuthenticated, delegationInfo, currentUser } = useAuth();
+  const { isAuthenticated, currentUser } = useAuth();
+  const { getDelegationStatus } = useAuthContext();
+  const delegationInfo = getDelegationStatus();
 
   // Network health assessment
   const health = useMemo((): NetworkHealth => {
@@ -75,7 +78,7 @@ export function useNetworkStatus(): NetworkStatusData {
       issues.push(`Forum error: ${error}`);
     }
 
-    if (isAuthenticated && delegationInfo.isExpired) {
+    if (isAuthenticated && !delegationInfo.isValid) {
       issues.push('Key delegation expired');
     }
 
@@ -90,7 +93,7 @@ export function useNetworkStatus(): NetworkStatusData {
       syncAge,
       issues,
     };
-  }, [isNetworkConnected, error, isAuthenticated, delegationInfo.isExpired]);
+  }, [isNetworkConnected, error, isAuthenticated, delegationInfo.isValid]);
 
   // Sync status
   const sync = useMemo((): SyncStatus => {
@@ -121,13 +124,9 @@ export function useNetworkStatus(): NetworkStatusData {
         status: isAuthenticated ? 'connected' : 'disconnected',
       },
       delegation: {
-        active: delegationInfo.isActive,
-        expires: delegationInfo.expiresAt,
-        status: delegationInfo.isActive
-          ? 'active'
-          : delegationInfo.isExpired
-            ? 'expired'
-            : 'none',
+        active: delegationInfo.isValid,
+        expires: delegationInfo.timeRemaining || null,
+        status: delegationInfo.isValid ? 'active' : 'expired',
       },
     };
   }, [isNetworkConnected, isAuthenticated, currentUser, delegationInfo]);
@@ -135,7 +134,7 @@ export function useNetworkStatus(): NetworkStatusData {
   // Status assessment
   const canRefresh = !isRefreshing && !isInitialLoading;
   const canSync = isNetworkConnected && !isRefreshing;
-  const needsAttention = !health.isHealthy || delegationInfo.needsRenewal;
+  const needsAttention = !health.isHealthy || !delegationInfo.isValid;
 
   // Helper methods
   const getStatusMessage = useMemo(() => {
@@ -158,16 +157,10 @@ export function useNetworkStatus(): NetworkStatusData {
   const getHealthColor = useMemo(() => {
     return (): 'green' | 'yellow' | 'red' => {
       if (!isNetworkConnected || error) return 'red';
-      if (health.issues.length > 0 || delegationInfo.needsRenewal)
-        return 'yellow';
+      if (health.issues.length > 0 || !delegationInfo.isValid) return 'yellow';
       return 'green';
     };
-  }, [
-    isNetworkConnected,
-    error,
-    health.issues.length,
-    delegationInfo.needsRenewal,
-  ]);
+  }, [isNetworkConnected, error, health.issues.length, delegationInfo.isValid]);
 
   const getRecommendedActions = useMemo(() => {
     return (): string[] => {
@@ -182,11 +175,15 @@ export function useNetworkStatus(): NetworkStatusData {
         actions.push('Connect your wallet');
       }
 
-      if (delegationInfo.isExpired) {
+      if (!delegationInfo.isValid) {
         actions.push('Renew key delegation');
       }
 
-      if (delegationInfo.needsRenewal && !delegationInfo.isExpired) {
+      if (
+        delegationInfo.isValid &&
+        delegationInfo.timeRemaining &&
+        delegationInfo.timeRemaining < 3600
+      ) {
         actions.push('Consider renewing key delegation soon');
       }
 
diff --git a/src/hooks/utilities/usePermissions.ts b/src/hooks/utilities/usePermissions.ts
deleted file mode 100644
index 00a9658..0000000
--- a/src/hooks/utilities/usePermissions.ts
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,254 +0,0 @@
-import { useMemo } from 'react';
-import { useAuth } from '@/hooks/core/useEnhancedAuth';
-import { useForumData } from '@/hooks/core/useForumData';
-
-export interface PermissionCheck {
-  canVote: boolean;
-  canPost: boolean;
-  canComment: boolean;
-  canCreateCell: boolean;
-  canModerate: (cellId: string) => boolean;
-  canModeratePosts: (cellId: string) => boolean;
-  canModerateComments: (cellId: string) => boolean;
-  canModerateUsers: (cellId: string) => boolean;
-  canUpdateProfile: boolean;
-  canDelegate: boolean;
-}
-
-export interface DetailedPermissions extends PermissionCheck {
-  // Permission reasons (why user can/cannot do something)
-  voteReason: string;
-  postReason: string;
-  commentReason: string;
-  createCellReason: string;
-  moderateReason: (cellId: string) => string;
-
-  // Helper methods
-  checkPermission: (
-    action: keyof PermissionCheck,
-    cellId?: string
-  ) => {
-    allowed: boolean;
-    reason: string;
-  };
-
-  // Verification requirements
-  requiresVerification: (action: keyof PermissionCheck) => boolean;
-  requiresOrdinal: (action: keyof PermissionCheck) => boolean;
-  requiresENS: (action: keyof PermissionCheck) => boolean;
-}
-
-/**
- * Hook for checking user permissions with detailed reasons
- */
-export function usePermissions(): DetailedPermissions {
-  const { currentUser, verificationStatus, permissions } = useAuth();
-  const { cellsWithStats } = useForumData();
-
-  const permissionReasons = useMemo(() => {
-    if (!currentUser) {
-      return {
-        voteReason: 'Connect your wallet to vote',
-        postReason: 'Connect your wallet to post',
-        commentReason: 'Connect your wallet to comment',
-        createCellReason: 'Connect your wallet to create cells',
-      };
-    }
-
-    const hasOrdinal = verificationStatus.hasOrdinal;
-    const hasENS = verificationStatus.hasENS;
-    const isVerified = verificationStatus.level !== 'unverified';
-
-    return {
-      voteReason: permissions.canVote
-        ? 'You can vote'
-        : !isVerified
-          ? 'Verify your wallet to vote'
-          : !hasOrdinal && !hasENS
-            ? 'Acquire an Ordinal or ENS domain to vote'
-            : 'Voting not available',
-
-      postReason: permissions.canPost
-        ? 'You can post'
-        : !hasOrdinal
-          ? 'Acquire an Ordinal to post'
-          : verificationStatus.level !== 'verified-owner'
-            ? 'Verify Ordinal ownership to post'
-            : 'Posting not available',
-
-      commentReason: permissions.canComment
-        ? 'You can comment'
-        : !hasOrdinal
-          ? 'Acquire an Ordinal to comment'
-          : verificationStatus.level !== 'verified-owner'
-            ? 'Verify Ordinal ownership to comment'
-            : 'Commenting not available',
-
-      createCellReason: permissions.canCreateCell
-        ? 'You can create cells'
-        : !hasOrdinal
-          ? 'Acquire an Ordinal to create cells'
-          : verificationStatus.level !== 'verified-owner'
-            ? 'Verify Ordinal ownership to create cells'
-            : 'Cell creation not available',
-    };
-  }, [currentUser, verificationStatus, permissions]);
-
-  const canModerate = useMemo(() => {
-    return (cellId: string): boolean => {
-      if (!currentUser || !cellId) return false;
-
-      const cell = cellsWithStats.find(c => c.id === cellId);
-      return cell ? currentUser.address === cell.signature : false;
-    };
-  }, [currentUser, cellsWithStats]);
-
-  const moderateReason = useMemo(() => {
-    return (cellId: string): string => {
-      if (!currentUser) return 'Connect your wallet to moderate';
-      if (!cellId) return 'Invalid cell';
-
-      const cell = cellsWithStats.find(c => c.id === cellId);
-      if (!cell) return 'Cell not found';
-
-      return currentUser.address === cell.signature
-        ? 'You can moderate this cell'
-        : 'Only cell owners can moderate';
-    };
-  }, [currentUser, cellsWithStats]);
-
-  const checkPermission = useMemo(() => {
-    return (action: keyof PermissionCheck, cellId?: string) => {
-      let allowed = false;
-      let reason = '';
-
-      switch (action) {
-        case 'canVote':
-          allowed = permissions.canVote;
-          reason = permissionReasons.voteReason;
-          break;
-
-        case 'canPost':
-          allowed = permissions.canPost;
-          reason = permissionReasons.postReason;
-          break;
-
-        case 'canComment':
-          allowed = permissions.canComment;
-          reason = permissionReasons.commentReason;
-          break;
-
-        case 'canCreateCell':
-          allowed = permissions.canCreateCell;
-          reason = permissionReasons.createCellReason;
-          break;
-
-        case 'canModerate':
-        case 'canModeratePosts':
-        case 'canModerateComments':
-        case 'canModerateUsers':
-          allowed = cellId ? canModerate(cellId) : false;
-          reason = cellId ? moderateReason(cellId) : 'Cell ID required';
-          break;
-
-        case 'canUpdateProfile':
-          allowed = permissions.canUpdateProfile;
-          reason = allowed
-            ? 'You can update your profile'
-            : 'Connect your wallet to update profile';
-          break;
-
-        case 'canDelegate':
-          allowed = permissions.canDelegate;
-          reason = allowed
-            ? 'You can delegate keys'
-            : 'Verify your wallet to delegate keys';
-          break;
-
-        default:
-          allowed = false;
-          reason = 'Unknown permission';
-      }
-
-      return { allowed, reason };
-    };
-  }, [permissions, permissionReasons, canModerate, moderateReason]);
-
-  const requiresVerification = useMemo(() => {
-    return (action: keyof PermissionCheck): boolean => {
-      switch (action) {
-        case 'canVote':
-        case 'canDelegate':
-          return true;
-        case 'canPost':
-        case 'canComment':
-        case 'canCreateCell':
-        case 'canModerate':
-        case 'canModeratePosts':
-        case 'canModerateComments':
-        case 'canModerateUsers':
-          return true;
-        case 'canUpdateProfile':
-          return false;
-        default:
-          return false;
-      }
-    };
-  }, []);
-
-  const requiresOrdinal = useMemo(() => {
-    return (action: keyof PermissionCheck): boolean => {
-      switch (action) {
-        case 'canPost':
-        case 'canComment':
-        case 'canCreateCell':
-        case 'canModerate':
-        case 'canModeratePosts':
-        case 'canModerateComments':
-        case 'canModerateUsers':
-          return true;
-        default:
-          return false;
-      }
-    };
-  }, []);
-
-  const requiresENS = useMemo(() => {
-    return (action: keyof PermissionCheck): boolean => {
-      // ENS can substitute for some Ordinal requirements for voting
-      switch (action) {
-        case 'canVote':
-          return !verificationStatus.hasOrdinal; // ENS can substitute for voting if no Ordinal
-        default:
-          return false;
-      }
-    };
-  }, [verificationStatus.hasOrdinal]);
-
-  return {
-    // Basic permissions
-    canVote: permissions.canVote,
-    canPost: permissions.canPost,
-    canComment: permissions.canComment,
-    canCreateCell: permissions.canCreateCell,
-    canModerate,
-    canModeratePosts: canModerate,
-    canModerateComments: canModerate,
-    canModerateUsers: canModerate,
-    canUpdateProfile: permissions.canUpdateProfile,
-    canDelegate: permissions.canDelegate,
-
-    // Reasons
-    voteReason: permissionReasons.voteReason,
-    postReason: permissionReasons.postReason,
-    commentReason: permissionReasons.commentReason,
-    createCellReason: permissionReasons.createCellReason,
-    moderateReason,
-
-    // Helper methods
-    checkPermission,
-    requiresVerification,
-    requiresOrdinal,
-    requiresENS,
-  };
-}
diff --git a/src/lib/database/LocalDatabase.ts b/src/lib/database/LocalDatabase.ts
index 9910662..6d05c51 100644
--- a/src/lib/database/LocalDatabase.ts
+++ b/src/lib/database/LocalDatabase.ts
@@ -176,7 +176,7 @@ export class LocalDatabase {
             callSign,
             displayPreference,
             lastUpdated: timestamp,
-            verificationStatus: EVerificationStatus.UNVERIFIED,
+            verificationStatus: EVerificationStatus.WALLET_UNCONNECTED,
           };
           // Persist with address keyPath
           this.put(STORE.USER_IDENTITIES, {
diff --git a/src/lib/forum/ForumActions.ts b/src/lib/forum/ForumActions.ts
index ea7cecb..ec42e8b 100644
--- a/src/lib/forum/ForumActions.ts
+++ b/src/lib/forum/ForumActions.ts
@@ -30,6 +30,42 @@ export class ForumActions {
     this.delegationManager = delegationManager || new DelegationManager();
   }
 
+  /**
+   * Unified permission validation system
+   */
+  private validatePermission(
+    action: 'createCell' | 'createPost' | 'createComment' | 'vote',
+    currentUser: User | null,
+    _isAuthenticated: boolean
+  ): { valid: boolean; error?: string } {
+    const verificationStatus =
+      currentUser?.verificationStatus || EVerificationStatus.WALLET_UNCONNECTED;
+
+    switch (action) {
+      case 'createCell':
+        if (verificationStatus !== EVerificationStatus.ENS_ORDINAL_VERIFIED) {
+          return {
+            valid: false,
+            error: 'Only ENS or Logos ordinal owners can create cells',
+          };
+        }
+        break;
+
+      case 'createPost':
+      case 'createComment':
+      case 'vote':
+        if (verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.WALLET_UNCONNECTED) {
+          return {
+            valid: false,
+            error: 'Connect your wallet to perform this action',
+          };
+        }
+        break;
+    }
+
+    return { valid: true };
+  }
+
   /* ------------------------------------------------------------------
      POST / COMMENT / CELL CREATION
   -------------------------------------------------------------------*/
@@ -40,32 +76,15 @@ export class ForumActions {
   ): Promise<ActionResult<Post>> {
     const { cellId, title, content, currentUser, isAuthenticated } = params;
 
-    if (!isAuthenticated || !currentUser) {
-      return {
-        success: false,
-        error:
-          'Authentication required. You need to connect your wallet to post.',
-      };
-    }
-
-    // Check if user has basic verification or better, or owns ENS/Ordinal
-    const hasENSOrOrdinal = !!(
-      currentUser.ensDetails || currentUser.ordinalDetails
+    const validation = this.validatePermission(
+      'createPost',
+      currentUser,
+      isAuthenticated
     );
-    const isVerified =
-      currentUser.verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.VERIFIED_OWNER ||
-      currentUser.verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.VERIFIED_BASIC ||
-      hasENSOrOrdinal;
-
-    if (
-      !isVerified &&
-      (currentUser.verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.UNVERIFIED ||
-        currentUser.verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.VERIFYING)
-    ) {
+    if (!validation.valid) {
       return {
         success: false,
-        error:
-          'Verification required. Please complete wallet verification to post.',
+        error: validation.error!,
       };
     }
 
@@ -78,14 +97,14 @@ export class ForumActions {
         title,
         content,
         timestamp: Date.now(),
-        author: currentUser.address,
+        author: currentUser!.address, // Safe after validation
       };
 
       const signed = this.delegationManager.signMessage(unsignedPost);
       if (!signed) {
         const status = this.delegationManager.getStatus(
-          currentUser.address,
-          currentUser.walletType
+          currentUser!.address,
+          currentUser!.walletType
         );
         return {
           success: false,
@@ -125,32 +144,16 @@ export class ForumActions {
   ): Promise<ActionResult<Comment>> {
     const { postId, content, currentUser, isAuthenticated } = params;
 
-    if (!isAuthenticated || !currentUser) {
-      return {
-        success: false,
-        error:
-          'Authentication required. You need to connect your wallet to comment.',
-      };
-    }
-
-    // Check if user has basic verification or better, or owns ENS/Ordinal
-    const hasENSOrOrdinal = !!(
-      currentUser.ensDetails || currentUser.ordinalDetails
+    // Use unified validation
+    const validation = this.validatePermission(
+      'createComment',
+      currentUser,
+      isAuthenticated
     );
-    const isVerified =
-      currentUser.verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.VERIFIED_OWNER ||
-      currentUser.verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.VERIFIED_BASIC ||
-      hasENSOrOrdinal;
-
-    if (
-      !isVerified &&
-      (currentUser.verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.UNVERIFIED ||
-        currentUser.verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.VERIFYING)
-    ) {
+    if (!validation.valid) {
       return {
         success: false,
-        error:
-          'Verification required. Please complete wallet verification to comment.',
+        error: validation.error!,
       };
     }
 
@@ -162,15 +165,15 @@ export class ForumActions {
         postId,
         content,
         timestamp: Date.now(),
-        author: currentUser.address,
+        author: currentUser!.address,
       };
 
       // Optimistic path: sign locally, write to cache, mark pending, render immediately
       const signed = this.delegationManager.signMessage(unsignedComment);
       if (!signed) {
         const status = this.delegationManager.getStatus(
-          currentUser.address,
-          currentUser.walletType
+          currentUser!.address,
+          currentUser!.walletType
         );
         return {
           success: false,
@@ -213,11 +216,16 @@ export class ForumActions {
   ): Promise<ActionResult<Cell>> {
     const { name, description, icon, currentUser, isAuthenticated } = params;
 
-    if (!isAuthenticated || !currentUser) {
+    // Use unified validation
+    const validation = this.validatePermission(
+      'createCell',
+      currentUser,
+      isAuthenticated
+    );
+    if (!validation.valid) {
       return {
         success: false,
-        error:
-          'Authentication required. You need to verify Ordinal ownership to create a cell.',
+        error: validation.error!,
       };
     }
 
@@ -230,14 +238,14 @@ export class ForumActions {
         description,
         ...(icon && { icon }),
         timestamp: Date.now(),
-        author: currentUser.address,
+        author: currentUser!.address,
       };
 
       const signed = this.delegationManager.signMessage(unsignedCell);
       if (!signed) {
         const status = this.delegationManager.getStatus(
-          currentUser.address,
-          currentUser.walletType
+          currentUser!.address,
+          currentUser!.walletType
         );
         return {
           success: false,
@@ -281,32 +289,16 @@ export class ForumActions {
   ): Promise<ActionResult<boolean>> {
     const { targetId, isUpvote, currentUser, isAuthenticated } = params;
 
-    if (!isAuthenticated || !currentUser) {
-      return {
-        success: false,
-        error:
-          'Authentication required. You need to connect your wallet to vote.',
-      };
-    }
-
-    // Check if user has basic verification or better, or owns ENS/Ordinal
-    const hasENSOrOrdinal = !!(
-      currentUser.ensDetails || currentUser.ordinalDetails
+    // Use unified validation
+    const validation = this.validatePermission(
+      'vote',
+      currentUser,
+      isAuthenticated
     );
-    const isVerified =
-      currentUser.verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.VERIFIED_OWNER ||
-      currentUser.verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.VERIFIED_BASIC ||
-      hasENSOrOrdinal;
-
-    if (
-      !isVerified &&
-      (currentUser.verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.UNVERIFIED ||
-        currentUser.verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.VERIFYING)
-    ) {
+    if (!validation.valid) {
       return {
         success: false,
-        error:
-          'Verification required. Please complete wallet verification to vote.',
+        error: validation.error!,
       };
     }
 
@@ -318,14 +310,14 @@ export class ForumActions {
         targetId,
         value: isUpvote ? 1 : -1,
         timestamp: Date.now(),
-        author: currentUser.address,
+        author: currentUser!.address,
       };
 
       const signed = this.delegationManager.signMessage(unsignedVote);
       if (!signed) {
         const status = this.delegationManager.getStatus(
-          currentUser.address,
-          currentUser.walletType
+          currentUser!.address,
+          currentUser!.walletType
         );
         return {
           success: false,
@@ -389,14 +381,14 @@ export class ForumActions {
         targetId: postId,
         reason,
         timestamp: Date.now(),
-        author: currentUser.address,
+        author: currentUser!.address,
       };
 
       const signed = this.delegationManager.signMessage(unsignedMod);
       if (!signed) {
         const status = this.delegationManager.getStatus(
-          currentUser.address,
-          currentUser.walletType
+          currentUser!.address,
+          currentUser!.walletType
         );
         return {
           success: false,
@@ -462,14 +454,14 @@ export class ForumActions {
         targetId: commentId,
         reason,
         timestamp: Date.now(),
-        author: currentUser.address,
+        author: currentUser!.address,
       };
 
       const signed = this.delegationManager.signMessage(unsignedMod);
       if (!signed) {
         const status = this.delegationManager.getStatus(
-          currentUser.address,
-          currentUser.walletType
+          currentUser!.address,
+          currentUser!.walletType
         );
         return {
           success: false,
@@ -534,15 +526,15 @@ export class ForumActions {
         targetType: 'user',
         targetId: userAddress,
         reason,
-        author: currentUser.address,
+        author: currentUser!.address,
         timestamp: Date.now(),
       };
 
       const signed = this.delegationManager.signMessage(unsignedMod);
       if (!signed) {
         const status = this.delegationManager.getStatus(
-          currentUser.address,
-          currentUser.walletType
+          currentUser!.address,
+          currentUser!.walletType
         );
         return {
           success: false,
diff --git a/src/lib/forum/RelevanceCalculator.ts b/src/lib/forum/RelevanceCalculator.ts
index 45e2475..3c1e1d2 100644
--- a/src/lib/forum/RelevanceCalculator.ts
+++ b/src/lib/forum/RelevanceCalculator.ts
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ import {
   RelevanceScoreDetails,
   UserVerificationStatus,
 } from '@/types/forum';
-import { User } from '@/types/identity';
+import { EVerificationStatus, User } from '@/types/identity';
 import { VoteMessage } from '@/types/waku';
 
 export class RelevanceCalculator {
@@ -225,7 +225,7 @@ export class RelevanceCalculator {
     return !!(
       user.ensDetails ||
       user.ordinalDetails ||
-      user.verificationStatus === 'verified-basic'
+      user.verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.WALLET_CONNECTED
     );
   }
 
@@ -286,10 +286,15 @@ export class RelevanceCalculator {
 
     // Apply different bonuses based on verification level
     let bonus = 0;
-    if (authorStatus?.verificationStatus === 'verified-owner') {
+    if (
+      authorStatus?.verificationStatus ===
+      EVerificationStatus.ENS_ORDINAL_VERIFIED
+    ) {
       // Full bonus for ENS/Ordinal owners
       bonus = score * (RelevanceCalculator.VERIFICATION_BONUS - 1);
-    } else if (authorStatus?.verificationStatus === 'verified-basic') {
+    } else if (
+      authorStatus?.verificationStatus === EVerificationStatus.WALLET_CONNECTED
+    ) {
       // Lower bonus for basic verified users
       bonus = score * (RelevanceCalculator.BASIC_VERIFICATION_BONUS - 1);
     }
diff --git a/src/lib/forum/__tests__/relevance.test.ts b/src/lib/forum/__tests__/relevance.test.ts
index 31a4a18..7e8dcfb 100644
--- a/src/lib/forum/__tests__/relevance.test.ts
+++ b/src/lib/forum/__tests__/relevance.test.ts
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ describe('RelevanceCalculator', () => {
       const verifiedUser: User = {
         address: 'user1',
         walletType: 'ethereum',
-        verificationStatus: EVerificationStatus.VERIFIED_OWNER,
+        verificationStatus: EVerificationStatus.ENS_ORDINAL_VERIFIED,
         displayPreference: EDisplayPreference.WALLET_ADDRESS,
         ensDetails: {
           ensName: 'test.eth',
@@ -98,7 +98,7 @@ describe('RelevanceCalculator', () => {
       const verifiedUser: User = {
         address: 'user3',
         walletType: 'bitcoin',
-        verificationStatus: EVerificationStatus.VERIFIED_OWNER,
+        verificationStatus: EVerificationStatus.ENS_ORDINAL_VERIFIED,
         displayPreference: EDisplayPreference.WALLET_ADDRESS,
         ordinalDetails: {
           ordinalId: '1',
@@ -115,7 +115,7 @@ describe('RelevanceCalculator', () => {
       const unverifiedUser: User = {
         address: 'user2',
         walletType: 'ethereum',
-        verificationStatus: EVerificationStatus.UNVERIFIED,
+        verificationStatus: EVerificationStatus.WALLET_UNCONNECTED,
         displayPreference: EDisplayPreference.WALLET_ADDRESS,
         ensDetails: undefined,
         ordinalDetails: undefined,
@@ -281,7 +281,7 @@ describe('RelevanceCalculator', () => {
         {
           address: 'user1',
           walletType: 'ethereum',
-          verificationStatus: EVerificationStatus.VERIFIED_OWNER,
+          verificationStatus: EVerificationStatus.ENS_ORDINAL_VERIFIED,
           displayPreference: EDisplayPreference.WALLET_ADDRESS,
           ensDetails: {
             ensName: 'test.eth',
@@ -292,7 +292,7 @@ describe('RelevanceCalculator', () => {
         {
           address: 'user2',
           walletType: 'bitcoin',
-          verificationStatus: EVerificationStatus.UNVERIFIED,
+          verificationStatus: EVerificationStatus.WALLET_UNCONNECTED,
           displayPreference: EDisplayPreference.WALLET_ADDRESS,
           ensDetails: undefined,
           ordinalDetails: undefined,
diff --git a/src/lib/services/UserIdentityService.ts b/src/lib/services/UserIdentityService.ts
index 56fd446..1ba6853 100644
--- a/src/lib/services/UserIdentityService.ts
+++ b/src/lib/services/UserIdentityService.ts
@@ -223,9 +223,9 @@ export class UserIdentityService {
 
       // Default verification status based on what we can resolve
       let verificationStatus: EVerificationStatus =
-        EVerificationStatus.UNVERIFIED;
+        EVerificationStatus.WALLET_UNCONNECTED;
       if (ensName || ordinalDetails) {
-        verificationStatus = EVerificationStatus.VERIFIED_OWNER;
+        verificationStatus = EVerificationStatus.ENS_ORDINAL_VERIFIED;
       }
 
       return {
@@ -300,7 +300,7 @@ export class UserIdentityService {
             ? EDisplayPreference.CALL_SIGN
             : EDisplayPreference.WALLET_ADDRESS,
         lastUpdated: timestamp,
-        verificationStatus: EVerificationStatus.UNVERIFIED,
+        verificationStatus: EVerificationStatus.WALLET_UNCONNECTED,
       };
     }
 
@@ -324,13 +324,13 @@ export class UserIdentityService {
   private mapVerificationStatus(status: string): EVerificationStatus {
     switch (status) {
       case 'verified-basic':
-        return EVerificationStatus.VERIFIED_BASIC;
+        return EVerificationStatus.WALLET_CONNECTED;
       case 'verified-owner':
-        return EVerificationStatus.VERIFIED_OWNER;
+        return EVerificationStatus.ENS_ORDINAL_VERIFIED;
       case 'verifying':
-        return EVerificationStatus.VERIFYING;
+        return EVerificationStatus.WALLET_CONNECTED; // Temporary state during verification
       default:
-        return EVerificationStatus.UNVERIFIED;
+        return EVerificationStatus.WALLET_UNCONNECTED;
     }
   }
 
diff --git a/src/pages/FeedPage.tsx b/src/pages/FeedPage.tsx
index 56d336e..f575ef3 100644
--- a/src/pages/FeedPage.tsx
+++ b/src/pages/FeedPage.tsx
@@ -164,8 +164,8 @@ const FeedPage: React.FC = () => {
                     <p className="text-cyber-neutral">
                       Be the first to create a post in a cell!
                     </p>
-                    {verificationStatus.level !==
-                      EVerificationStatus.VERIFIED_OWNER && (
+                    {verificationStatus !==
+                      EVerificationStatus.ENS_ORDINAL_VERIFIED && (
                       <p className="text-sm text-cyber-neutral/80">
                         Connect your wallet and verify Ordinal ownership to
                         start posting
diff --git a/src/pages/ProfilePage.tsx b/src/pages/ProfilePage.tsx
index 10f55c9..1e78fab 100644
--- a/src/pages/ProfilePage.tsx
+++ b/src/pages/ProfilePage.tsx
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 import { useState, useEffect } from 'react';
 import { useAuth, useUserActions, useForumActions } from '@/hooks';
+import { useAuth as useAuthContext } from '@/contexts/useAuth';
 import { useUserDisplay } from '@/hooks';
 import { Button } from '@/components/ui/button';
 import { Input } from '@/components/ui/input';
@@ -34,7 +35,9 @@ export default function ProfilePage() {
   const { toast } = useToast();
 
   // Get current user from auth context for the address
-  const { currentUser, delegationInfo } = useAuth();
+  const { currentUser } = useAuth();
+  const { getDelegationStatus } = useAuthContext();
+  const delegationInfo = getDelegationStatus();
   const address = currentUser?.address;
 
   // Get comprehensive user information from the unified hook
@@ -137,11 +140,11 @@ export default function ProfilePage() {
 
   const getVerificationIcon = () => {
     switch (userInfo.verificationLevel) {
-      case EVerificationStatus.VERIFIED_OWNER:
+      case EVerificationStatus.ENS_ORDINAL_VERIFIED:
         return <CheckCircle className="h-4 w-4 text-green-500" />;
-      case EVerificationStatus.VERIFIED_BASIC:
+      case EVerificationStatus.WALLET_CONNECTED:
         return <Shield className="h-4 w-4 text-blue-500" />;
-      case EVerificationStatus.UNVERIFIED:
+      case EVerificationStatus.WALLET_UNCONNECTED:
         return <AlertTriangle className="h-4 w-4 text-yellow-500" />;
       default:
         return <XCircle className="h-4 w-4 text-red-500" />;
@@ -150,12 +153,12 @@ export default function ProfilePage() {
 
   const getVerificationText = () => {
     switch (userInfo.verificationLevel) {
-      case EVerificationStatus.VERIFIED_OWNER:
-        return 'Fully Verified';
-      case EVerificationStatus.VERIFIED_BASIC:
-        return 'Basic Verification';
-      case EVerificationStatus.UNVERIFIED:
-        return 'Unverified';
+      case EVerificationStatus.ENS_ORDINAL_VERIFIED:
+        return 'Owns ENS or Ordinal';
+      case EVerificationStatus.WALLET_CONNECTED:
+        return 'Connected Wallet';
+      case EVerificationStatus.WALLET_UNCONNECTED:
+        return 'Unconnected Wallet';
       default:
         return 'Unknown';
     }
@@ -163,11 +166,11 @@ export default function ProfilePage() {
 
   const getVerificationColor = () => {
     switch (userInfo.verificationLevel) {
-      case EVerificationStatus.VERIFIED_OWNER:
+      case EVerificationStatus.ENS_ORDINAL_VERIFIED:
         return 'bg-green-100 text-green-800 border-green-200';
-      case EVerificationStatus.VERIFIED_BASIC:
+      case EVerificationStatus.WALLET_CONNECTED:
         return 'bg-blue-100 text-blue-800 border-blue-200';
-      case EVerificationStatus.UNVERIFIED:
+      case EVerificationStatus.WALLET_UNCONNECTED:
         return 'bg-yellow-100 text-yellow-800 border-yellow-200';
       default:
         return 'bg-gray-100 text-gray-800 border-gray-200';
@@ -337,26 +340,31 @@ export default function ProfilePage() {
             <div className="space-y-4">
               {/* Delegation Status */}
               <div className="flex items-center gap-3">
-                <Badge 
-                  variant={delegationInfo.isActive ? "default" : "secondary"}
-                  className={delegationInfo.isActive ? "bg-green-600 hover:bg-green-700" : ""}
+                <Badge
+                  variant={delegationInfo.isValid ? 'default' : 'secondary'}
+                  className={
+                    delegationInfo.isValid
+                      ? 'bg-green-600 hover:bg-green-700'
+                      : ''
+                  }
                 >
-                  {delegationInfo.isActive ? 'Active' : 'Inactive'}
+                  {delegationInfo.isValid ? 'Active' : 'Inactive'}
                 </Badge>
-                {delegationInfo.isActive && delegationInfo.timeRemaining && (
+                {delegationInfo.isValid && delegationInfo.timeRemaining && (
                   <span className="text-sm text-muted-foreground">
                     {delegationInfo.timeRemaining} remaining
                   </span>
                 )}
-                {delegationInfo.needsRenewal && !delegationInfo.isExpired && (
-                  <Badge variant="outline" className="text-yellow-600 border-yellow-600">
+                {!delegationInfo.isValid && (
+                  <Badge
+                    variant="outline"
+                    className="text-yellow-600 border-yellow-600"
+                  >
                     Renewal Recommended
                   </Badge>
                 )}
-                {delegationInfo.isExpired && (
-                  <Badge variant="destructive">
-                    Expired
-                  </Badge>
+                {!delegationInfo.isValid && (
+                  <Badge variant="destructive">Expired</Badge>
                 )}
               </div>
 
@@ -367,19 +375,22 @@ export default function ProfilePage() {
                     Browser Public Key
                   </Label>
                   <div className="mt-1 text-sm font-mono bg-muted px-3 py-2 rounded-md break-all">
-                    {currentUser.browserPubKey ? (
-                      `${currentUser.browserPubKey.slice(0, 12)}...${currentUser.browserPubKey.slice(-8)}`
-                    ) : 'Not delegated'}
+                    {currentUser.browserPubKey
+                      ? `${currentUser.browserPubKey.slice(0, 12)}...${currentUser.browserPubKey.slice(-8)}`
+                      : 'Not delegated'}
                   </div>
                 </div>
-                
+
                 <div>
                   <Label className="text-sm font-medium text-muted-foreground">
                     Delegation Signature
                   </Label>
                   <div className="mt-1 text-sm">
                     {currentUser.delegationSignature === 'valid' ? (
-                      <Badge variant="outline" className="text-green-600 border-green-600">
+                      <Badge
+                        variant="outline"
+                        className="text-green-600 border-green-600"
+                      >
                         Valid
                       </Badge>
                     ) : (
@@ -404,10 +415,9 @@ export default function ProfilePage() {
                     Last Updated
                   </Label>
                   <div className="mt-1 text-sm">
-                    {currentUser.lastChecked ? 
-                      new Date(currentUser.lastChecked).toLocaleString() : 
-                      'Never'
-                    }
+                    {currentUser.lastChecked
+                      ? new Date(currentUser.lastChecked).toLocaleString()
+                      : 'Never'}
                   </div>
                 </div>
 
@@ -416,12 +426,18 @@ export default function ProfilePage() {
                     Can Delegate
                   </Label>
                   <div className="mt-1 text-sm">
-                    {delegationInfo.canDelegate ? (
-                      <Badge variant="outline" className="text-green-600 border-green-600">
+                    {delegationInfo.hasDelegation ? (
+                      <Badge
+                        variant="outline"
+                        className="text-green-600 border-green-600"
+                      >
                         Yes
                       </Badge>
                     ) : (
-                      <Badge variant="outline" className="text-red-600 border-red-600">
+                      <Badge
+                        variant="outline"
+                        className="text-red-600 border-red-600"
+                      >
                         No
                       </Badge>
                     )}
@@ -430,14 +446,16 @@ export default function ProfilePage() {
               </div>
 
               {/* Delegation Actions */}
-              {delegationInfo.canDelegate && (
+              {delegationInfo.hasDelegation && (
                 <div className="pt-2">
-                  <Button 
-                    variant="outline" 
+                  <Button
+                    variant="outline"
                     size="sm"
                     onClick={() => setWalletWizardOpen(true)}
                   >
-                    {delegationInfo.isActive ? 'Renew Delegation' : 'Delegate Key'}
+                    {delegationInfo.isValid
+                      ? 'Renew Delegation'
+                      : 'Delegate Key'}
                   </Button>
                 </div>
               )}
diff --git a/src/types/identity.ts b/src/types/identity.ts
index fa41b8d..d3f30cc 100644
--- a/src/types/identity.ts
+++ b/src/types/identity.ts
@@ -19,10 +19,9 @@ export type User = {
 };
 
 export enum EVerificationStatus {
-  UNVERIFIED = 'unverified',
-  VERIFIED_BASIC = 'verified-basic',
-  VERIFIED_OWNER = 'verified-owner',
-  VERIFYING = 'verifying',
+  WALLET_UNCONNECTED = 'wallet-unconnected',
+  WALLET_CONNECTED = 'wallet-connected',
+  ENS_ORDINAL_VERIFIED = 'ens-ordinal-verified',
 }
 
 export interface OrdinalDetails {