How to verify your identity for Universal Credit

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

You can verify your identity online using the Government Gateway service. This is a simple and secure way to confirm identity online.

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 or payslips.

You can use any 2 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 Department for Work and Pensions (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

This is not a complete list. Depending on your circumstances, details of what evidence you need to provide will be discussed with you when you apply for Universal Credit.