The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released the latest figures showing that 7.5 million people across Scotland, England, and Wales were receiving financial support through Universal Credit at the end of January. This income-related benefit is designed to assist people with low income, whether they are in or out of work, with their daily living expenses.
Those applying for this means-tested benefit online must verify their identity – otherwise, their application cannot be processed. A recent update from DWP states that payslips and P60s “can no longer be used for online identity verification” and have been removed from the list of acceptable forms of evidence on GOV.UK, reports the Daily Record.
The DWP further stated: “Universal Credit no longer uses Government Gateway or GOV.UK Verify for online verification.”
According to DWP guidelines, if you wish to claim Universal Credit, you must verify your identity as it “helps to link the right person to the right claim and reduce identity fraud”.
There are several ways to verify your identity:
- online identity verification
- face-to-face appointments
- documentary evidence
- biographical interviews
Online Identity Verification
Verifying your identity online is a straightforward and secure method. However, the DWP warns: “Universal Credit no longer uses Government Gateway or GOV.UK Verify for online verification.”
Evidence for Online Verification
You can verify your identity online by providing certain information that only you would know, such as details about your passport.
To verify your identity online, you can use any two of the following items:
- valid UK passport
- recent Self Assessment returns
- credit references or records – for example, information about credit cards or phone contracts
If you’re able to confirm your identity online, the need for an ‘initial evidence interview’ might be waived.
There are alternative methods for identity confirmation:
- face-to-face appointments
- phone biographical interviews
The official GOV.UK guidance notes: “The DWP uses a combination of documentary evidence, interviewing and information on DWP records to verify someone’s identity.”
For those with a face-to-face appointment at Jobcentre Plus, ID and address proof are mandatory. The specific evidence required based on your situation will be outlined when you file for Universal Credit.
Comprehensive instructions for validating identity for Universal Credit applications are accessible on GOV.UK here.
Current standard monthly amounts for Universal Credit are as follows:
Single claimant
- Under 25: £316.98
- 25 or over: £400.14
Couples
- Joint claimants both under 25: £497.55
- Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over: £628.10
A full list of additional elements related to Universal Credit, including the Work Capability Allowance, can be found on GOV.UK here.
