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

Verifying your identity online is a simple and secure way to confirm your identity.

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
• UK driving licence
• 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’.

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

If your appointment is face-to-face at a Jobcentre Plus, you’ll 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.