Guidance

How to verify your identity for Universal Credit

If you want to claim Universal Credit you must verify your identity. This guide for claimants and people supporting them explains how to do that.

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

If you want to claim Universal Credit you must verify your identity. This helps to link the right person to the right claim and reduce identity fraud.

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.

Universal Credit no longer uses Government Gateway or PG电子 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 2 of the following items to verify your identity online:

  • valid UK passport
  • recent Self Assessment returns
  • credit references or records 鈥 for example, information about credit cards or phone contracts

If you successfully verify your identity online, you may not need the full 鈥榠nitial evidence interview鈥.

Other ways to verify your identity

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) uses a combination of documentary evidence, interviewing and information on DWP records to verify someone鈥檚 identity. This may include attending:

  • face-to-face appointments

  • phone biographical interviews

If your appointment is face-to-face at a Jobcentre Plus, you鈥檒l need to bring聽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.

Updates to this page

Published 16 May 2022
Last updated 8 April 2025 show all updates
  1. Removed payslips and P60s from the list of evidence you can use when you prove your identity online.

  2. Payslips and P60s can no longer be used for online identity verification.

  3. Removed tax credits as an way of verifying your ID because tax credits ended on 5 April.

  4. Added link to full list of ID documents you'll need to bring if you鈥檙e invited to a face-to-face interview at a Jobcentre Plus.

  5. Added translation

  6. Universal Credit no longer uses Government Gateway for online verification.

  7. First published.

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