DWP Universal Credit claim rule change you may not know about

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently made a change affecting Universal Credit claims - and not everybody may be aware of it. The most up-to-date figures suggest more than seven million people across England, Scotland and Wales currently claim the income-related benefit.

Universal Credit is designed to assist those in and out of work on a low income with everyday living costs. Those applying for this means-tested benefit online must verify their identity, or their application cannot be processed.

And 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 acceptable forms of evidence list on GOV.UK. The DWP further stated: "Universal Credit no longer uses Government Gateway or GOV.UK Verify for online verification."

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According to DWP guidance, if you wish 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". As reported by the Daily Record, you can confirm your identity by one or more of the following methods:

• online identity verification
• face-to-face appointments
• documentary evidence
• biographical interviews

Verifying your identity online is a straightforward and secure way to confirm your identity. However, the DWP warns: "Universal Credit no longer uses Government Gateway or GOV.UK Verify for online verification."

You can confirm your identity online by providing some information that only you would know, such as details 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

Alternatively, guidance adds: "The DWP uses a combination of documentary evidence, interviewing and information on DWP records to verify someone's identity." In some cases, this could include an in-person appointment at a Jobcentre Plus where ID and proof of address must be presented.

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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.