Universal Credit is a benefit payment delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) which currently provides financial support for nearly 5.6 million people across the UK who are either out of work or on a low income.
If someone wants to apply for Universal Credit they must verify their identity before the claim can be processed and any payments made as this helps the DWP to link the right person to the right claim and reduce the chances of identity fraud.
The DWP has now shared new online guidance which could help more people receive Universal Credit payments faster.
The online guidance is for new claimants and people supporting them and explains how Universal Credit no longer uses GOV.UK Verify for online verification. However, you can verify your identity online using the Government Gateway service.
How to verify your identity online
You can verify your identity by one or more of the following:
- Online identity verification
- Face-to-face appointments
- Documentary evidence
- Biographical interviews
- Online identity verification
The Government Gateway service is a simple and secure way to confirm identity online.
You can verify your identity online by providing some information that only you would know, for example information about your passport or payslips.
You can use any two of the following items to verify your identity online with Government Gateway:
- Payslips dated within the last 3 months
- Most recent P60
- Valid UK passport
- Recent Self Assessment returns
- Tax Credits (including Voice ID)
- Credit references or records - for example, information about credit cards or phone contracts
If you successfully verify your identity online, you may not need the full ‘initial evidence interview’.
Other ways to verify your identity
The DWP uses a combination of documentary evidence, interviewing and information on DWP records to verify someone’s identity.
This may include attending:
- Face-to-face appointments
- Phone biographical interviews
- Evidence for verification
You could be asked to provide identity evidence, for example:
- Photo identity documents like passport or driving licence
- Tenancy or rental agreements
- Payslips
- Bank details
However, the DWP advises that this is “not a complete list”.
It said: “Depending on your circumstances, details of what evidence you need to provide will be discussed with you when you apply for Universal Credit.”
For more information about applying for Universal Credit, visit the GOV.UK website here.
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