Dwp update for anyone making new universal credit claim of up to £628 a month

AROUND 7.5 MILLION PEOPLE ACROSS THE COUNTRY RECEIVE UNIVERSAL CREDIT - HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IF YOU ARE APPLYING FOR THE BENEFIT 11:16, 28 May 2025 The Government has issued a

new update for anyone making a claim for Universal Credit. The latest information from the Department for Work and Pensions involves the process of identity verification. Universal Credit

can help with living costs and is provided to people on a low income, out of work or to those who cannot work. It’s usually paid monthly and figures from the DWP show there were 7.5 million

people across Scotland, England and Wales, receiving Universal Credit at the end of January. People making a new online claim for the benefit must verify their identity, or their application

cannot be processed, reports the Daily Record. A new update from DWP warns that payslips and P60s “can no longer be used for online identity verification” and have been removed from the

acceptable forms of evidence list on GOV.UK. The DWP added: “Universal Credit no longer uses Government Gateway or GOV.UK Verify for online verification.” Their guidance explains that if you

want to claim Universal Credit you must verify your identity as this “helps to link the right person to the right claim and reduce identity fraud”. Currently, the basic monthly rates of

Universal Credit for single claimants are - £316.98 for those under 25 and £400.14 for people aged 25 or over. For couples, the rates are £497.55 for joint claimants both under 25, and

£628.10 for joint claimants where one or both are 25 or over. A full list of additional elements related to Universal Credit, including the Work Capability Allowance, can be found on GOV.UK

here. HOW TO VERIFY YOUR IDENTITY 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 Verifying your identity online is a simple and secure way to confirm your identity. However, 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 some information that only you would know, for

example information about your passport. You can use any two of the following items to verify your identity online: * valid UK passport * recent Self Assessment returns * 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’. Article

continues below OTHER WAYS TO VERIFY YOUR IDENTITY Guidance on GOV.UK explains: “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 If your appointment is face-to-face at a Jobcentre Plus, you will need to bring

ID and proof of address. Depending on your circumstances, details of what evidence you need to provide will be discussed with you when you apply for Universal Credit. Full details on how to

verify your identity for Universal Credit claims can be found on GOV.UK here.